Play footsie with Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To touch someone's feet with your own under a table as a way to flirt; also used to describe people making secret or improper deals.
Usage & Nuances
Often playful and slightly cheeky if literal; commonly used in romantic or flirtatious situations. As an idiom for secret dealings, mostly informal and a bit humorous or negative. Typical collocations: 'play footsie with someone', 'politicians playing footsie with big companies.' Avoid using in formal writing.
Example Sentences
They started to play footsie with each other under the table during dinner.
basic
Kids sometimes giggle when their parents play footsie with each other.
basic
Politicians are accused of playing footsie with big corporations.
basic
We all saw him playing footsie with Sarah at the café, so it's not a secret anymore.
natural
Their companies have been playing footsie with each other for years to avoid competition.
natural
Are you two really dating, or just playing footsie with each other?
natural