[play] politics
1
to engage in activities or behaviors that are intended to gain or maintain power or advantage within a group or organization
- He played politics to secure his position on the board of directors.
- I'm sure they will play politics to try to win the upcoming election.
- She always plays politics to get ahead in her career.
- She quickly realized that to succeed in the company, she would have to play politics with the board members.
- The CEO often plays politics with the investors to ensure his position is secure.