played on
Manipulated someone's weakness
Played on means exploited or manipulated, typically by taking advantage of someone's emotions, fears, or vulnerabilities: The scammer played on her loneliness.
It can also mean continued playing despite circumstances that might stop others: The orchestra played on as the ship sank.
The first sense treats feelings as instruments to be skillfully worked.
- actedPlayed a part
- strummedPlayed by sweeping strings
- exploitedUnfairly utilized for benefit
- manipulatedControlled through cunning
- deceivedMisled into false belief
duped · rehearsed · improvised · misled · preyed on · plucked · heartstrings · good vs evil · insecurities · influenced · dramatized · weaknesses · coaxed · pressed · court · provoked · field · operated
played onrespected
Held in high regard
honored · protected · safeguarded · acknowledged · validated
played onsupported
Gave aid or backing
uplifted · empowered · strengthened · helped · encouraged
play, player, playing, played, plays, players, playfully, playfulness, replays