a game that two can play
Something (often deceptive or hurtful) that both parties involved in a situation could do. The phrase typically prefaces an act of retaliation. Did she really start a rumor about me? Well, gossip is a game that two can play—I'll make sure the whole school is talking about her by tomorrow morning! Stu's been getting here early to impress the boss, so here I am, too—that's a game that two can play! You better be prepared for the repercussions before you prank the captain of the football team. Pranks are a game that two can play, you know.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
game that two can play
Fig. a manner of competing that two competitors can use; a strategy that competing sides can both use. (Said when about to use the same ploy that an opponent has used.) The mayor shouted at the city council, "Politics is a game that two can play." "Flattery is a game that two can play," said John as he returned Mary's compliment.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.