play tricks

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The thin, autumnal light continued to play tricks on me, forming islands in the sea that disappeared with the next passing cloud.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

And for Slot, it proved to be the first wrong move in a stellar start at Anfield, proof that you try to play tricks with the FA Cup at your peril.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2025

Asked about that, Metcalf smiled and said, “I like to play tricks on y’all sometimes, can’t give y’all everything. Yeah, the ribs are fine today.”

From Seattle Times • Sep. 28, 2023

The relationship between dark and light starts to play tricks on you in this part of Sweden, where the sun goes down around 3 p.m. in December.

From New York Times • Feb. 16, 2023

Miguel thought it was a poltergeist, a sort of mischievous spirit that liked to play tricks on the living.

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby