What does “Foul play” mean?
"Foul play" means engaging in illegal or dishonest behavior.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The detective suspected foul play in the mysterious death.
Example
The referee called a penalty for foul play during the game.
Example
The investigation revealed evidence of foul play in the financial transactions
Is “Foul play” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Foul play” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Foul play” effectively in context?
You can use "foul play" to describe any situation where there is suspicion or evidence of illegal or dishonest behavior. Here are three distinct situations where you can use the phrase effectively:
- 1Crime
The detective suspected foul play in the mysterious death.
- 2Sports
The referee called a penalty for foul play during the game.
- 3Business
The investigation revealed evidence of foul play in the financial transactions.
Similar phrases to “Foul play”:
Play dirty
To engage in dishonest or unethical behavior
Example
He always plays dirty to win the game.
Fishy business
Suspicious or questionable activity
Example
There's something fishy going on with those financial records.
Underhanded tactics
Deceptive or dishonest methods
Example
They used underhanded tactics to gain an advantage.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Foul play” come from?
The origin of the phrase "foul play" is unknown. It has been used since at least the 16th century to refer to illegal or dishonest behavior, particularly in the context of sports and games.
Is “Foul play” common in everyday conversation?
"Foul play" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is frequently used to express suspicion or indicate wrongdoing in various contexts.
What tone does “Foul play” have?
"Foul play" conveys a tone of suspicion and concern. It suggests that something illegal or dishonest has occurred and prompts further investigation or action.
Can “Foul play” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Foul play" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in casual conversations as well as in more serious discussions or professional contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The police suspected foul play in the case.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Looks like "foul play"!' to express suspicion.
