1

play the ball and not the man

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To attack the ball instead of an opponent who is usually controlling the ball. Often considered a positive action, and sometimes a requirement not to concede a penalty.
2

play the ball and not the man

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To object to someone's argument by attacking the argument itself instead of them or a facet of their personality; to avoid or make the opposite of an ad hominem attack. Usually considered a positive action, and an avoidance of a fallacious argumentative technique. Often used in comparison to play the man and not the ball.

"Billionaire Johann Rupert has called on politicians to play the ball and not the man in his acceptance of the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies Lifetime Achievement Award... “Why attack people instead of debating the issue? Our issues are unemployment and a terrible educational system. It is a disaster,” said Rupert."

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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to play the ball and not the man

play one against anotherplay one's cards rightplay outplay outplay outplay possumplay possumplay possumplay second fiddlePlay Second Fiddleplay silly buggersplay someone like a fiddleplay the anglesplay the anglesplay the anglesplay the fieldplay the fieldPlay the FieldPlay the Fireplay the foolplay the gender cardplay the giddy goatplay the hand one is dealtplay the man and not the ballplay the man and not the ballplay the poniesplay the race cardplay the race cardplay the race cardplay the same tape

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    "play the ball and not the man." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 22 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/idioms/play-the-ball-and-not-the-man>.

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