play dirty

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.

Anyone who’s ever played a sport knows that as soon as some players start to cheat, everyone else feels the pressure to play dirty, too.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

“If anything, me trying to play dirty, I’ll damn near hurt myself. I just hope he’s all right and they don’t think it was intentional.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

I don't think we should play dirty, but I wish that we would toughen up and play offensive a little more, not just defensive.

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2024

“Those guys don’t play dirty, and they know their facts,” former Arlington County planning commissioner Kathy Freshly told The Post in 1982 regarding Mr. Walsh and his mentor Barnes Lawson.

From Washington Post • Jun. 28, 2022

“Buffoon!” cried the fat knight “Well,” said Lancelot, “it is your own fault You should not play dirty tricks. For the last time, will you let me arm like a gentleman?”

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White