Play a trick on Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈtɹɪk/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn

PLAY uh TRIK on

UK

plˈeɪ/ /æɪ/ /tɹˈɪk/ /ˈɒn

PLAY uh TRIK on

Definition

To trick or deceive someone in a playful or humorous way, usually as a joke and not to cause harm.

Usage & Nuances

This is an informal phrase, often used among friends. Common collocations: 'play a trick on someone', 'play a harmless trick'. It implies the action is lighthearted, unlike 'prank', which sometimes can be meaner. Not used in formal contexts.

• Spanish: gastar una broma a - hacerle una broma a
• Portuguese (BR): pregar uma peça em - pregar uma peça em alguém
• Portuguese (PT): pregar uma partida a - fazer uma partida a alguém
• Chinese (Simplified): 捉弄 - 开玩笑 (针对某人)
• Chinese (Traditional): 捉弄 - 開玩笑 (針對某人)
• Hindi: मजाक करना (किसी के साथ)
• Arabic: يخدع - يمزح مع
• Bengali: কাউকে বোকা বানানো - ফাঁকি দেওয়া (মজা করে)
• Russian: разыграть (кого-то) - подшутить (над кем-то)
• Japanese: いたずらをする - からかう
• Vietnamese: chơi khăm - chơi xỏ
• Korean: 장난을 치다 - 속이다 (장난스럽게)
• Turkish: birine şaka yapmak - oyun oynamak
• Urdu: کسی کو دھوکا دینا (مذاقاً) - کسی کے ساتھ شرارت کرنا
• Indonesian: mengisengi - mempermainkan (secara bercanda)

Example Sentences

Did you play a trick on your brother?

basic

The kids played a trick on their teacher.

basic

Don’t play a trick on me, please.

basic

We decided to play a trick on Sarah for her birthday.

natural

He always tries to play tricks on people at work, but it’s usually harmless.

natural

I couldn’t believe they played a trick on me and hid my keys!

natural