Definition

Verb (transitive) 1. To deceive or betray someone; to act dishonestly or treacherously towards a person. * This phrase means to deliberately mislead someone who trusts you, often for personal gain or advantage. It implies a breach of trust or faith.

Usage

The verb "play false" is used with a direct object (the person being deceived). It is a formal or literary expression. * Structure: [Subject] + play false + [Object/Pronoun]. * It describes an act of deliberate deception, often where the victim is unaware of the betrayal.

Examples

• Verb:
  • He discovered that his closest ally had played him false in the negotiations.
  • If your memory plays you false, please consult the official records.
  • She trusted him completely, never imagining he would play her false.

Advanced Usage

• "to play someone false": This is the standard construction, emphasizing the target of the deception.
  • The spy's mission was to gain their confidence and then play them false.

Variants and Related Words

• Double-cross (verb): To betray someone by pretending to support them while helping their opponent.
• Two-time (verb, informal): To be unfaithful to a romantic partner.

Synonyms

• Betray: To be disloyal to someone who trusts you.
• Deceive: To cause someone to believe something that is not true.
• Mislead: To cause someone to have a wrong idea or impression.

Related Idioms

• Stab in the back: To betray someone in a treacherous and unexpected way.
  • His public criticism was a real stab in the back.
• Lead someone up the garden path: To deceive someone.
  • The salesman led us up the garden path about the car's condition.

Verb

1. conceal one's true motives from especially by elaborately feigning good intentions so as to gain an end
   • He bamboozled his professors into thinking that he knew the subject well