play politics

To act with personal political motivations in mind, rather than the principle or general benefits of an action. It's clear the mayor is just playing politics—saying whatever will win him votes at the moment.

See also: play, politics

play politics

1. Lit. to negotiate politically. Everybody at city hall is playing politics as usual. If you're elected as a member of a political party, you'll have to play politics.

2. to allow politics to dominate in matters where principle should prevail. Look, I came here to discuss the legal issues of this trial, not play politics. They're not making reasonable decisions. They're playing politics.

See also: play, politics

play politics

Act for personal or political gain rather than principle, as in I don't think this judge is fair-he's playing politics. [Mid-1800s]

See also: play, politics

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

play politics

act for political or personal gain rather than from principle. derogatory

See also: play, politics

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in classic literature

It ought to play politics, but the politics ought to be the right kind."

View in context

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President Duterte does not "play politics" like other politicians and will not interfere with the speakership battle in the House of Representatives, Malacanang said Friday.

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President Rodrigo Duterte would rather focus on governing the country rather than 'play politics' in the House Speakership race, Malcanang said Wednesday.

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New Delhi (India) Mar 18 (ANI): It is sad that Congress is finding Manohar Parrikar's demise as an opportune moment to play politics in Goa, said BJP leader Ram Madhav here on Sunday.

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He said the Opposition attempted to play politics when it claimed that its 'ceramah' (talk) in Putrajaya recently had attracted a sea of civil servants.

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I hope the Sindh government will take appropriate action on this issue and will not play politics.

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While speaking at a seminar opposition leader said today's wives also say to their husbands, ' don't play politics with us (Hum say siyasat mat karo)'.

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Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: "George Osborne has stooped so low that he's prepared to play politics with the aspirations of the lowest paid."

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