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play the fool

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play the fool

To behave comically or playfully, often to amuse others. Joe never plays the fool—he's always serious. If you continue to play the fool, you're going to have to leave the classroom.

See also: fool, play

play the fool

Fig. to act in a silly manner in order to amuse other people. The teacher told Tom to stop playing the fool and sit down. Fred likes playing the fool, but we didn't find him funny last night.

See also: fool, play

play the fool

to behave in a silly way, often to make people laugh Teenagers will often play the fool in class when they don't know the answers.

See also: fool, play

play the fool

Act in a silly or stupid way, as in Helen deliberately played the fool so they wouldn't realize she understood their strategy. [First half of 1500s]

See also: fool, play