play (someone or something) off against (someone or something)
phrase
: to cause two people or groups to fight or compete with (each other) in a way that helps oneself
They have been playing him off against his old enemies.
Cite this Entry
“Play (someone or something) off against (someone or something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20%28someone%20or%20something%29%20off%20against%20%28someone%20or%20something%29. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
