P

[play on] or [play upon]  {v.}

1. To cause an effect on; influence.

A heavy diet of television drama played on his feelings.

2. To work upon for a planned effect; excite to a desired action by cunning plans; manage.

* /The makeup salesman played  […]

[play one false]  {v. phr.},  {literary}

To act disloyally toward (a person); betray; cheat; deceive.

Good faith was not in him: he played anyone false who trusted him.

[play one for]  {v.},  {informal}

To treat (someone) as; act toward (someone) as; handle (someone) as; handle as.

[play one's cards right] or [play one's cards well]  {v. phr.},  {informal}

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  […]

[play ostrich]  {v. phr.}

To refuse to face painful facts or unpleasant truths.

[play politics]  {v. phr.}

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  […]

[play possum]  {v. phr.},  {informal}

1. To pretend to be asleep.

Johnny seemed to be fully asleep, but his mother knew that he was playing possum.

2. To stay quiet for self-protection; try to escape attention by inactivity.

* /The rabbit played  […]

[play safe] or [play it safe]  {v. phr.},  {informal}

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  […]

[play second fiddle]  {v. phr.},  {informal}

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.

[play the devil with] or [play hob with]  {v. phr.},  {informal}

To cause confusion in; upset.

Uncle Bob's unexpected visit played the devil with our own plans to travel.