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play politics

idiom

Definition of play politics

disapproving
: to say or do things for political reasons instead of doing what is right or what is best for other people
  • She's been accused of playing politics with the investigation.

Word by Word Definitions

play play

  1. : swordplay

  2. : game, sport

  3. : the conduct, course, or action of a game

  1. : to engage in sport or recreation : frolic

  2. : to have sexual relations

  3. : to move aimlessly about : trifle

See the full definition of play
politics play

  1. : the art or science of government

  2. : the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy

  3. : the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government

See the full definition of politics

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