P
Idioms beginning with "P"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of P:
[play one false] {v. phr.}, {literary}
To act disloyally toward (a person); betray; cheat; deceive.
Good faith was not in him: he played anyone false who trusted him.
His hopes had played him false.
[play one for] {v.}, {informal}
To treat (someone) as; act toward (someone) as; handle (someone) as; handle as.
He played the man for a sucker.
[play one's cards right] or [play one's cards well] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To use abilities and opportunities so as to be successful; act cleverly; make the best use of your place or skills.
* /That millionaire started with very little but showed a […]
[play ostrich] {v. phr.}
To refuse to face painful facts or unpleasant truths.
She plays ostrich when it comes to her husband's drinking problem.
[play politics] {v. phr.}
To make secret agreements for your own gain; handle different groups for your own advantage.
In order to get elected, he had to play politics with both the unions and the bosses.
* /Mary always gets what she wants by […]
[play possum] {v. phr.}, {informal}
1. To pretend to be asleep.
Johnny seemed to be fully asleep, but his mother knew that he was playing possum.
2. To stay quiet for self-protection; try to escape attention by inactivity.
* /The rabbit played […]
[play safe] or [play it safe] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To be very careful; accept small gains or none to avoid loss; avoid danger for the sake of safety.
He got tired as the game went on, and began to play safe.
* /Tom didn't know what the other […]
[play second fiddle] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To act a smaller part; follow another's lead; be less noticed.
His wife had the stronger mind and he played second fiddle to her.
During the tournament, lessons played second fiddle to basketball.
[play the devil with] or [play hob with] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To cause confusion in; upset.
Uncle Bob's unexpected visit played the devil with our own plans to travel.
Mother's illness played hob with our party.
[play the field] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To date many different people; not always have dates with the same person.
Al had a steady girlfriend, but John was playing the field.
Jim was crazy about Mary, but she was still playing the field.
[…]