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

Then pollution, much from industry but some from farming itself, also started to play tricks on them over the past few decades.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 31, 2024

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

Their efforts lead them to play tricks on each other, and Rodney persuades the woman to take Del Boy hang-gliding for his birthday.

From BBC • Sep. 8, 2021

“It will not play tricks on you. As for you, Ranofer,” he turned interested eyes on the younger boy, “come with me. I have a task for you.”

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw