play hard to get
To act as if one weren't interested; be fickle; be coy.
"Professor Brown is playing very hard to get," our dean said, "but I know he will accept our offer and come to teach here."
play havoc with
raise havoc with
To cause destruction; ruin; injure badly.
The storm played havoc with the apple orchard.
When Ralph was arrested for stealing the car, it played havoc with his plans for going to college.
When Mr. White poisoned the cat, it played havoc with his reputation in the neighborhood.
play hooky
To stay out of school to play.
Carl is failing in school because he has played hooky so many times during the year.
play into one's hands
To be or do something that another person can use against you; help an opponent against yourself.
In the basketball game, Jerry's foul played into the opponents' hands.
Mary and Bobby both wanted the last piece of cake, but Bobby played into Mary's hands by trying to grab it.
play off
To match opposing persons, forces, or interests so that they balance each other.
The girl played off her admirers against each other.
Britain tried to play off European nations against each other so that she would have a balance of power.
To finish the playing of (an interrupted contest.)
The visitors came back the next Saturday to play off the game stopped by rain.
To settle (a tie score) between contestants by more play.
When each player had won two matches, the championship was decided by playing off the tie.
play on
play upon
To cause an effect on; influence.
A heavy diet of television drama played on his feelings.
To work upon for a planned effect; excite to a desired action by cunning plans; manage.
The makeup salesman played on the woman's wish to look beautiful.
In some places, leaders play upon people's superstitious fears.
He played on the man's ambition and love of honor.
play one false
To act disloyally toward (a person); betray; cheat; deceive.
Good faith was not in him: he played anyone false who trusted him.
His hopes had played him false.
play one for
To treat (someone) as; act toward (someone) as; handle (someone) as; handle as.
He played the man for a sucker.