mind games

American  

plural noun

1. psychological manipulation or strategy, used especially to gain advantage or to intimidate.

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mind games British  

plural noun

1. actions or statements intended to undermine or mislead someone else, often to gain advantage for oneself

   she started playing mind games with me

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Etymology

Origin of mind games

1970–75

Example Sentences

San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler said he expects the new rules to take some of the mind games out of baseball.

From Seattle Times

She highlights a scene where Shiv, finally fed up of the power and mind games, confronts her father and says she wants out.

From Los Angeles Times

But with Fury waiting patiently, 'The Problem Child' Paul was still pacing up and down in his dressing room as the mind games continued.

From BBC

Kohberger would frequently play mind games with him, Arntz said, including once when he was upset after the death of his aunt.

From Seattle Times

This is probably fun for him: Kreskin isn’t the only one who plays mind games.

From New York Times