play the martyr
idiom
: to act like someone who deserves admiration or sympathy because of being badly treated
Examples of play the martyr in a Sentence
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Broadcasting Their Burden With The Martyr Complex Narcissists often play the martyr in relationships, not to ask for help directly, but to put their struggle on display.
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Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Meanwhile, watch out for an inclination to play the martyr or savior today, as you may feel called to sacrifice your own needs for someone else’s.
—Tarot Astrologers, chicagotribune.com, 18 Sep. 2020
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Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Meanwhile, watch out for an inclination to play the martyr or savior today, as you may feel called to sacrifice your own needs for someone else’s.
—Tarot Astrologers, chicagotribune.com, 18 Sep. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Play the martyr.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20the%20martyr. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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