Phrase guide

play fast and loose

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To ignore proper behavior or social conventions, especially when it suits one's purpose.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I cannot say that there were any outright lies in the editorial, but it does play fast and loose with the truth.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To be recklessly inaccurate, inappropriate, or otherwise ignoring guidelines and conventions.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To act in a tricky, inconstant way, saying one thing and doing another.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the con game fast and loose.