To be capricious and irresponsible, to do all that pleases one without caring to have offended others

Etymology:

  • The phrase is thought to have originated in 14th century when in game tricksters deceived common people by presenting them a challenge to perform certain tricks which were almost impossible to do. They used to take money from those who failed to perform. The game had loops in a strings or different folds in a belt. Later in 15th century the phrase was also used by William Shakespeare in his plays which meant to deceive people.
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Despite receiving criticism, John just cannot help playing fast and loose with others.

Submitted on February 25, 2019

Additional definitions for 'Play Fast and Loose':

play fast and looseTo be recklessly inaccurate, inappropriate, or otherwise ignoring guidelines and conventions.
play fast and looseTo ignore proper behavior or social conventions, especially when it suits ones purpose.
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    "Play Fast and Loose." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Mar. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/play-fast-and-loose_44938>.

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