play games with someone—act cunningly or dishonestly towards a person:
- Don’t try to play games with me. You’re not nearly as clever as you think you are.
play with someone—treat smb.’s feelings or affections in a casual and irresponsible way:
- I feel a pang of remorse because she may love me seriously, although I am only playing with her.
See also: play someone at his own game / play someone’s game.