To ignore proper behavior or social conventions, especially when it suits ones purpose.

Etymology:

  • From the con game Fast-and-loose, a cheating game played with a stick and a belt or string, so arranged that a spectator would think he could make the latter fast by placing a stick through its intricate folds, whereas the operator could detach it at once.
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I cannot say that the there were any outright lies in the editorial, but it does play fast and loose with the truth.

Submitted on September 01, 2009

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

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    "play fast and loose." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 7 Oct. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/play-fast-and-loose_6137>.

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