play the victim card
English edit
Pronunciation edit
Audio (US) (file)
Verb edit
play the victim card (third-person singular simple present plays the victim card, present participle playing the victim card, simple past and past participle played the victim card)
- (idiomatic) To portray oneself as an innocent victim instead of taking responsibility.
- The serial killer played the victim card as he blamed others for his actions.
Usage notes edit
- The phrase "play the - card" can be used for a variety of issues or qualities exploited to gain sympathy such as race, gender, sexuality, (advanced) age, disability, physical or mental health, etc.
Translations edit
to portray oneself as an innocent victim instead of taking responsibility.
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