play fast and loose
Act without commitment
To play fast and loose is to act recklessly or irresponsibly, especially by disregarding rules, commitments, or the truth: He's been playing fast and loose with company funds.
The phrase often implies manipulation or evasiveness—someone who plays fast and loose with the facts bends them to suit their purposes.
You can't keep playing fast and loose with people's trust.
Inattentive, prone to mistakes
- recklessCarelessly ignoring danger
- heedlessCareless of consequences
- irresponsibleLacking sense of duty
- negligentFailing in due care
imprudent · cavalier · slipshod · lax · unreliable · haphazard · incautious · remiss
careless
Inattentive, prone to mistakes
- recklessCarelessly ignoring danger
- heedlessCareless of consequences
- irresponsibleLacking sense of duty
negligent · imprudent · cavalier · slipshod · lax · unreliable · haphazard · incautious · remiss · thoughtless
manipulate
Control through clever influence
cheat · con · dupe · swindle · hoodwink · trick · scheme · bend the rules · double-deal · string along
- Shakespeare phrasesto be or not to be, et tu Brute, all the world's a stage, out damned spot, friends Romans countrymen
play fast and loosestick to one's guns
Refuse to change position
stay true · stand firm · keep one's word · stay the course · toe the line
play fast and loosebe careful
Exercise caution and prudence
take seriously · take care · err on the side of caution · take pains · leave nothing to chance
play, plays, played, playing, player, players, playful, playfully, playfulness