play one's cards right
play one's cards well
To use abilities and opportunities so as to be successful; act cleverly; make the best use of your place or skills.
That millionaire started with very little but showed a skill in playing his cards right.
People liked Harold, and he played his cards well - and soon he began to get ahead rapidly.
play ostrich
ostrich strategy
ostrich politics
To refuse to face painful facts or unpleasant truths.
Страусинное поведение; страусинная политика, стратегия.
She plays ostrich when it comes to her husband's drinking problem.
Adopting an ostrich strategy will only make matters worse - we've got to find a solution!
То, что ты прячешься от проблемы, только сделает все еще хуже – нужно найти решение!
play politics
To make secret agreements for your own gain; handle different groups for your own advantage.
In order to get elected, he had to play politics with both the unions and the bosses.
Mary always gets what she wants by playing office politics.
play possum
To pretend to be asleep.
Johnny seemed to be fully asleep, but his mother knew that he was playing possum.
To stay quiet for self-protection; try to escape attention by inactivity.
The rabbit played possum under the bushes, hoping the hunter would not see him.
Bob played possum when the teacher looked around.
play safe
play it safe
To be very careful; accept small gains or none to avoid loss; avoid danger for the sake of safety.
He got tired as the game went on, and began to play safe.
Tom didn't know what the other driver would do, so he played it safe and stopped his own car.
play second fiddle
To act a smaller part; follow another's lead; be less noticed.
His wife had the stronger mind and he played second fiddle to her.
During the tournament, lessons played second fiddle to basketball.
play the devil with
play hob with
To cause confusion in; upset.
Uncle Bob's unexpected visit played the devil with our own plans to travel.
Mother's illness played hob with our party.
play the field
To date many different people; not always have dates with the same person.
Al had a steady girlfriend, but John was playing the field.
Jim was crazy about Mary, but she was still playing the field.