backgammon player

offensive slang A derogatory term for someone who engages in anal sex. A pun on "backgammon" sounding similar to other slang terms for the anus and buttocks, such as "back door" and "backside."

bit player

1. An actor with a small or insignificant part in a performance. I've been a professional actor for a few years now, but I've only been able to find work as a bit player in a couple of television shows. Even if you're a bit player, you're still getting paid to act, and that's its own accomplishment! I didn't expect to be the lead or anything, but I also didn't expect to be such a bit player. I only have one line in the whole play!

2. By extension, a person with a minor, unimportant, or unimpressive role in something. This business is full of bit players who never advance in their careers. How long do you plan to be Donna's assistant? I don't understand why you're still a bit player around here when you could be running your own team by now. It's like they want me to step down and become a bit player in the company I founded, which is utterly ridiculous!

don't hate the player, hate the game

cliché You should hate a system or situation rather than the people involved in it. I know you're frustrated with our local "do-nothing" politicians, but I often tell myself, "Don't hate the player, hate the game." I mean, our political system seriously limits the effectiveness of our politicians, especially if their party is not currently in power. A: "That is simply not fair. I work twice as hard as you, but you got the promotion because you play along with all the office politics." B: "Hey, don't hate the player, hate the game!" Don't hate the player, hate the game—and accept that you've got to start schmoozing and networking too if you want to get ahead.

hate the game, not the player

cliché You should hate a system or situation rather than the people involved in it. I know you're frustrated with our local "do-nothing" politicians, but I often tell myself, "Hate the game, not the player." I mean, our political system seriously limits the effectiveness of our politicians, especially if their party is not currently in power. A: "That is simply not fair. I work twice as hard as you, but you got the promotion because you play along with all the office politics." B: "Hey, hate the game, not the player!" Hate the game, not the player—and accept that you've got to start schmoozing and networking too if you want to get ahead.

one-and-done player

In basketball, a player who officially states that they will participate in the NBA draft after one year of playing college basketball. Jones has become the latest one-and-done player, to the disappointment of Villanova fans everywhere. If he ends up being a one-and- done player, which NBA team do you think is most likely to take him?

team player

1. Someone who works well in a team or group. John's always been a real team player, never hesitating to chip in or help others out where he can.

2. Someone who does what is necessary to maintain the success or further the goals of their team or company, especially at their own expense or to their own detriment. The boss will always try to belittle you for not being a team player if don't agree to stay late or work weekends.

the cards beat all the players

obsolete All who would try to win against chance or fate will inevitably lose. You know that doing that could get you killed! You've been lucky so far, but the cards beat all the players.

team player someone

who works well with the group; someone who is loyal to the group. Ted is a team player. I am sure that he will cooperate with us.

the cards beat all the players

You can't win 'em all. A fatalistic phrase which tells us that destiny—in the form of a randomly shuffled deck of playing cards—has ultimately the upper hand, no matter how skillful a player might be.