plays the game
Follows the rules
To play the game is to follow unwritten rules or accepted conventions, especially when doing so serves self-interest rather than principle.
Someone who plays the game goes along with how things are done—in office politics, social situations, or institutional settings—rather than challenging the system: She knew how to play the game and got promoted quickly.
The phrase often carries a note of cynicism, suggesting conformity over authenticity.
- competeStrive for superiority
- engageActively participate or connect
- striveMake sustained effort
- participateTake an active role
- cooperateWork jointly with others
abide · perform · strategy · go along · toes the line · opportunism · tactics · social climbing · adaptability · alliances · imitate · obey · diplomacy · maneuvering · knows the score · unwritten rules · conform · good sport
plays the gamerebels
Armed opposition fighters
rocks the boat · makes waves · breaks the rules · marches to a different drummer · disrupts
plays the gamedrops out
Leaves before completion
opts out · checks out · withdraws · disengages · walks away
play, plays, played, playing, player, players, playful, playfully, playfulness