play into the hands of

Idioms  

1. Act so as to give an advantage to an opponent, as in The senator played right into the hands of her opponents when she backed that unpopular amendment to the tax bill. [c. 1700]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

play into the hands of

“Capital markets, scale and technology play into the hands of the largest banks,” she said.

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 30, 2025

And all this may play into the hands of China, Washington’s main rival for influence in Southeast Asia.

From Salon ● Aug. 2, 2025

Stylistically, it doesn't bode well for Ryder, a guy who comes forward with a low right hand, which may play into the hands of Alvarez.

From BBC ● May 6, 2023

“If you take away their livelihoods, you play into the hands of the criminal groups.”

From New York Times ● Feb. 15, 2022

Such a trial, I felt, would only play into the hands of the authorities.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela