What does “Play fast and loose” mean?
"Play fast and loose" means to behave in an unpredictable or unreliable manner.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's known for playing fast and loose with the rules.
Example
You can't trust him, he always plays fast and loose with his promises.
Example
The company's financial statements were a mess, they were playing fast and loose with the numbers
Is “Play fast and loose” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Play fast and loose” 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 “Play fast and loose” effectively in context?
You can use "Play Fast and Loose" to describe someone who is not trustworthy or who acts in a careless and irresponsible way. It implies that the person does not adhere to rules or commitments and cannot be relied upon. For example, if a friend constantly breaks promises, you might say, 'You can't trust him, he always plays fast and loose with his promises.'
- 1Personal Relationships
She ended the relationship because he was playing fast and loose with her emotions.
- 2Business
The company's financial statements were a mess, they were playing fast and loose with the numbers.
- 3Sports
The athlete was disqualified for playing fast and loose with the rules of the game.
Similar phrases to “Play fast and loose”:
Cut corners
To do something quickly or carelessly, without following proper procedures
Example
They cut corners to meet the deadline, compromising the quality of the work.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Play fast and loose” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Play Fast and Loose" can be traced back to medieval times. It was a term used in games of chance, particularly in gambling. Players who manipulated the rules or cheated were said to be playing fast and loose. Over time, the phrase evolved to describe someone who behaves in an unpredictable or unreliable manner.
Is “Play fast and loose” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Play Fast and Loose" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to criticize someone's behavior or to express disappointment or frustration with their actions.
What tone does “Play fast and loose” have?
"Play Fast and Loose" conveys a tone of disapproval or criticism. It suggests that the person being described is unreliable, untrustworthy, or lacks integrity.
Can “Play fast and loose” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "play fast and loose" can be used in both informal and formal settings. However, it is more commonly used in informal conversations to express dissatisfaction or frustration with someone's behavior. In formal settings, it may be more appropriate to use alternative expressions that convey the same meaning.
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, 'He's known for playing fast and loose with the rules.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's always "playing fast and loose"!' to imply someone's unreliability.
