Two Can Play at that Game

Also: a game that two can play

Two Can Play at That Game Meaning

Two can play at that game means that another person can do the same thing or behave the same way; if you do something bad to someone they can do something bad to you; a wronged person can reciprocate. ¹,²,³

Usage Notes

‘Two can play at that game’ is often used as a threat of retaliation against a person who has wronged another person, or is perceived to have done so.

Sentence Examples

“She’s talking about me behind my back? Well, two can play at that game.”

“My roommate is always playing pranks on me. He doesn’t seem to realize that’s a game two can play. I’ve got a doozy planned for him!”

“And what does that make Gimbel? Nothing but a profiteering money-grubber. Well, two can play at this game. From now on, if we haven’t got what the customer wants, send him back to Macy’s.” — Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

“Then the murderer knows! He’s been on to you all the time! He’s playing cat and mouse with you.”  “Two can play at that game.”  — Murder Most Foul (1964)

Origin

Used since the early 1800s.

References

1. Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
2. Heacock, Paul. Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms]. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2010.
3. Jarvie, Gordon. Bloomsbury Dictionary of Idioms. London: Bloomsbury, 2009.