play politics

[pol-i-tiks]

pol·i·tics

[pol-i-tiks]
noun (used with a singular or plural verb)
1.
the science or art of political government.
2.
the practice or profession of conducting political affairs.
3.
political affairs: The advocated reforms have become embroiled in politics.
4.
political methods or maneuvers: We could not approve of his politics in winning passage of the bill.
5.
political principles or opinions: We avoided discussion of religion and politics. His politics are his own affair.
EXPAND
6.
use of intrigue or strategy in obtaining any position of power or control, as in business, university, etc.
7.
(initial capital letter, italics) a treatise (4th century b.c.) by Aristotle, dealing with the structure, organization, and administration of the state, especially the city-state as known in ancient Greece.
COLLAPSE
8.
play politics,
a.
to engage in political intrigue, take advantage of a political situation or issue, resort to partisan politics, etc.; exploit a political system or political relationships.
b.
to deal with people in an opportunistic, manipulative, or devious way, as for job advancement.

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Play politics is always a great word to know.
So is zedonk. Does it mean:
the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.

Origin:
1520–30; see politic, -ics

an·ti·pol·i·tics, adjective
pro·pol·i·tics, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To play politics
American Heritage
Idioms & Phrases

play politics

Act for personal or political gain rather than principle, as in I don't think this judge is fairhe's playing politics. [Mid-1800s]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
Cite This Source
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