play tricks

• Engañar a alguien o causar confusión, a menudo mediante acciones juguetonas o traviesas, o fallar inesperadamente, como en el caso de un dispositivo o sistema.

To deceive someone or cause confusion, often through playful or mischievous actions, or to malfunction unexpectedly, as in the case of a device or system.

1. Deceive or confuseB2informal

   To cause someone to believe something that is not true, often for amusement or to confuse them.

   hacer jugarretas

   • My eyes are playing tricks on me; I thought I saw a ghost.
   • The magician played tricks on the audience.
   • Don't play tricks on your little brother; it's not nice.

2. Malfunction or misleadB2informal

   To function incorrectly or give a false impression, often used for senses or machines.

   fallar o engañar

   • My memory is playing tricks on me; I can't remember where I put my keys.
   • The old radio is playing tricks again, making strange noises.
   • The heat can play tricks on your mind, making you see things.