politics
"play politics,"
1. to engage in political intrigue, take advantage of a political situation or issue, resort to partisan politics, etc.; exploit a political system or political relationships. —Dictionary.com.
2. to deal with people in an opportunistic, manipulative, or devious way, as for job advancement. —Dictionary.com.
3. act for personal or political gain rather than (from) principle:
I don't think this judge is fair—he's playing politics. —Dictionary.com. // he railed against them for playing politics with the police department. —Lexico.
4. (disapproving) to say or do things for political reasons instead of doing what is right or what is best for other people:
She's been accused of playing politics with the investigation. —Merriam-Webster.
Origin:
First recorded in 1520–30; see origin at politic, -ics. —Dictionary.com. // First Known Use of politics: circa 1529. History and Etymology for politics: Greek politika, from neuter plural of politikos political. —Merriam-Webster.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4.
1. to engage in political intrigue, take advantage of a political situation or issue, resort to partisan politics, etc.; exploit a political system or political relationships. —Dictionary.com.
2. to deal with people in an opportunistic, manipulative, or devious way, as for job advancement. —Dictionary.com.
3. act for personal or political gain rather than (from) principle:
I don't think this judge is fair—he's playing politics. —Dictionary.com. // he railed against them for playing politics with the police department. —Lexico.
4. (disapproving) to say or do things for political reasons instead of doing what is right or what is best for other people:
She's been accused of playing politics with the investigation. —Merriam-Webster.
Origin:
First recorded in 1520–30; see origin at politic, -ics. —Dictionary.com. // First Known Use of politics: circa 1529. History and Etymology for politics: Greek politika, from neuter plural of politikos political. —Merriam-Webster.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4.