play (one) for a fool
To presume or believe that one is very stupid or foolish, or to treat one as such. I'd advise you not to play her for a fool. She may play dumb, but she's very crafty.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
play someone for a fool
Fig. to treat someone like a fool; to assume someone is naive or stupid. Don't play me for a fool. I won't have it. You are playing me for a fool! Stop it!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
play someone for a fool
If someone plays you for a fool, they deceive you to get an advantage for themselves or treat you as if you are stupid. John, do not play me for a fool. You owe me better than that. Note: Other nouns with a similar meaning can be used instead of fool. She realized she was no closer to getting the money than before. Ken had probably played her for a sucker again.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
play someone for a fool
tv. to treat someone like a fool; to act as if someone were a fool. I know what you’re trying to do! Don’t try to play me for a fool!
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.