play tricks

English[edit]

play tricks (third-person singular simple present plays tricks, present participle playing tricks, simple past and past participle played tricks)

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play,‎ tricks.
The neighbour's children keep playing tricks on each other.
- 2023 November 15, Prof. Jim Wild, “This train was delayed because of bad weather in space”, in RAIL, number 996, page 30:
  " […] On the 18th of October, 1841, a very intense magnetic disturbance was recorded, and amongst other curious facts mentioned is that of the detention of the 10:05pm express train at Exeter for 16 minutes, as from the magnetic disturbance affecting the needles so powerfully, it was impossible to ascertain if the line was clear at Starcross. The superintendent at Exeter reported the next morning that someone was playing tricks with the instruments, and would not let them work."
Of one's eyes, mind, etc.: to deceive or mislead one.
Is that man naked, or are my eyes playing tricks on me?
- 1994, Green Day (lyrics and music), “Basket Case”, in Dookie:
  Sometimes I give myself the creeps / Sometimes my mind plays tricks on me

literally: to play tricks

figuratively: to deceive