act/play the fool

phrase

: to behave in a silly or foolish way

If you keep playing the fool by asking silly questions, people won't take you seriously.

Browse Nearby Words

act out

act/play the fool

act psychology

Cite this Entry

Style

“Act/play the fool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/act%2Fplay%20the%20fool. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

act/play the fool

phrase

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

vaunted

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Words of the Week - Mar. 6

Why do we say 'make a beeline'?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Birds Say the Darndest Things

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

The Words of the Week - Mar. 6

Why do we say 'make a beeline'?

Games & Quizzes