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Phrase(s): play tricks on someone
1. Lit. to pull pranks on someone. • You had better not play any tricks on me! • Stop playing tricks on people! 2. Fig. [for something, such as the eyes] to deceive someone. • Did I see him fall down or are my eyes playing tricks on me? • My brain is playing tricks on me. I can’t remember a word you said.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs