head games

1. Speech or behavior that is psychologically manipulative or intimidating, used to undermine someone's performance or confidence. The boxer is notorious for using obnoxious and belittling taunts to play head games with his opponents. Your stupid head games won't work on me, Maeve—I know I'm prepared, and I came here to win! Head games are a huge confidence killer in sports. If you're in your own head telling yourself that you can't do it, then you have no hope of succeeding.

2. Thoughts that serve to encourage or convince oneself of something. Of course I'm nervous before a big game! I just play head games with myself to boost my confidence—that way, the negative thoughts don't paralyze me when I'm out on the field. I know that you've somehow convinced yourself that your spending is not a big deal, but those head games don't change the fact that you're going broke. Geez, what kind of head games did you have to play to come to that bizarre conclusion?