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

I had no idea the mind could play tricks on you over five years of a descent into madness, like I experienced.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 16, 2023

She’s never sought to play tricks on her audience, she told me, correcting a common misconception about her work; Kuriki-Olivo approaches everything she devises from a place of sincerity.

From New York Times • Aug. 18, 2021

There is no end and no be-ginning; there is only one’s own mind, which can begin to play tricks.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela