Phrase guide

play the victim card

verb · 1 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 portray oneself as an innocent victim instead of taking responsibility.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • The serial killer played the victim card as he blamed others for his actions.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Swedish: offerkofta — to portray oneself as an innocent victim instead of taking responsibility.