Play for a fool Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈfuɫ
PLAY-fer-uh-FOOL
plˈeɪ/ /fˈɔː/ /æɪ/ /fˈuːl
PLAY-fuh-FOOL
Definition
To deceive or trick someone, treating them as if they are not smart, often to take advantage of them.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used when someone feels they have been tricked or underestimated. Common with 'don't' or 'try to': 'Don't play me for a fool.' Similar to 'make a fool of.' Focuses on deception and disrespect.
Spanish: tomar el pelo - tratar como tontoPortuguese (BR): fazer de bobo - enganarPortuguese (PT): fazer de parvo - enganarChinese (Simplified): 耍（某人）当傻子 - 把（某人）当傻瓜Chinese (Traditional): 耍（某人）當傻子 - 把（某人）當傻瓜Hindi: बेवकूफ बनाना - मूर्ख समझनाArabic: يستخف بعقله - يعامله كالأحمقBengali: বোকা বানানো - প্রতারিত করাRussian: дурачить - держать за дуракаJapanese: 馬鹿にする - だますVietnamese: làm cho ai đó như kẻ ngốc - lừa ai đóKorean: 바보로 여기다 - 속이다Turkish: aptal yerine koymak - kandırmakUrdu: بیوقوف بنانا - دھوکہ دیناIndonesian: menganggap bodoh - memperdaya
Example Sentences
Don't play me for a fool; I know what's going on.
basic
She doesn't like it when people play her for a fool.
basic
He felt angry when they tried to play him for a fool.
basic
If you think you can play me for a fool, you're wrong.
natural
They laughed behind my back and tried to play me for a fool.
natural
Don't try to play your customers for fools—they notice more than you think.
natural