english
1
general::
Phrase(s): play politics 1. Lit. to negotiate politically. • Everybody at city hall is playing politics as usual. • If you’re elected as a member of a political party, you’ll have to play politics. 2. to allow politics to dominate in matters where principle should prevail. • Look, I came here to discuss the legal issues of this trial, not play politics. • They’re not making reasonable decisions. They’re playing politics.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Act for personal or political gain rather than principle, as in I don't think this judge is fair? he's playing politics. [Mid-1800s]
American Heritage Idioms