play with fire

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B2

Post

Example

“Skipping every database backup is playing with fire.”

Dictionary details

Component words

play fire

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

put out fires Informal · CEFR B1

to deal with urgent problems instead of doing planned work

fight fire with fire Neutral · CEFR B2

to counter an opponent using the same methods they use

no smoke without fire Neutral · CEFR B2

rumors or accusations usually contain at least some truth

play for time Neutral · CEFR B2

to delay deliberately in order to prepare or avoid an immediate outcome

playbook Neutral · CEFR B2

a set of proven methods, tactics, and moves for a given situation

play hardball Neutral · CEFR C1

to negotiate or compete aggressively, without compromise

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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