playing the game
Going along strategically
Playing the game means following unwritten rules and social conventions to succeed or get along, especially when those rules involve compromise or strategic behavior.
Someone who plays the game knows how things really work and acts accordingly, whether in office politics, dating, or any arena with informal codes: You have to play the game if you want that promotion.
The phrase often carries a note of cynicism—playing the game may mean sacrificing authenticity for advantage.
- careerismExcessive focus on advancement
- conformityAdherence to norms
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- sportsCompetitive physical activities
- competitionStruggle for supremacy
alliances · ambition · protocol · hierarchy · going along to get along · social climbing · brown nosing · networking · unwritten rules · influence · reputation · diplomacy · rules · strategy · participation · gamesmanship · power moves · rivalry
playing the gamerebelling
Resisting established authority
rocking the boat · bucking the system · breaking the rules · making waves · dissenting
playing the gamekeeping it real
Maintaining genuine behavior
speaking one's mind · wearing one's heart on one's sleeve · telling it like it is · idealism
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