play games

Idioms  

1. Be evasive or deceptive, as in Don't play games with me—I want an honest answer. Also see play the game.

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Example Sentences

When we play games, he observes, we usually care about the “experiences that come from trying hard to win,” but we don’t necessarily care about winning itself.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Void decks were initially built for ventilation and to prevent floods, before evolving into spaces where residents exercise, play games and hang out.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

Note: Third round pool play games Wednesday at higher seeds; Quarterfinals Feb. 21; Semifinals Feb. 24; Finals Feb. 28 at Toyota Arena.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

"If you lead a country like the US or China, it's not easy. You have to play games, make deals."

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

“Oh yeah. Sometimes we all get together in the Hideout to play games and eat snacks. It’s super fun.”

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

Related Words

• arrange
• come up with
• conceive
• concoct
• create
• direct
• manage
• manipulate
• negotiate
• organize
• set up
• supervise