play fast and loose
The phrase "play fast and loose" is an idiom that has been used since the 16th century, often to describe behavior that is reckless, deceitful, or inconsistent.
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🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1General
(informal)To act recklessly or irresponsibly, ignoring rules or conventions.
Example
- He tends to play fast and loose with the company's finances, which worries the board members.
- You can't just play fast and loose with people's emotions.
C1General
(informal)To be deceitful or inconsistent in one's actions or promises.
Example
- She played fast and loose with the facts during the debate.
- He was known to play fast and loose with his commitments.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "play fast and loose":
play the fieldtake libertiescut looseplay by earplay aroundsail close to the windfly by the seat of one's pantsplay hardballshoot from the hiphold with the hare and run with the houndsfool aroundscrew aroundplay the foolfiddle awayfiddle aroundmess aroundjerk aroundplay the anglesfuck aroundplay alonglet loose