What is another word for play the fool?

Pronunciation: [plˈe͡ɪ ðə fˈuːl] (IPA)

There are a number of synonyms for the phrase "play the fool," all of which refer to someone acting foolishly or making a mockery of themselves. Some alternatives could include "act silly," "behave foolishly," "make a joke of oneself," "act the clown," or "put on a show." Each of these phrases captures a slightly different aspect of the behavior, highlighting the different ways in which someone might act foolishly. Whatever term is used, however, the sentiment remains the same: when someone plays the fool, they are not being taken seriously and are often subjected to ridicule or mockery.

Synonyms for Play the fool:

What are the hypernyms for Play the fool?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the opposite words for play the fool?

Playing the fool is synonymous with acting foolish, but there are several antonyms to this phrase that relate to being serious or responsible. These words include "act responsibly," "behave maturely," "take seriously," "act sensibly," and "behave wisely." These phrases connote a responsible, thoughtful approach to life, characterized by taking responsibility for one's actions, reflecting on outcomes, and being thoughtful in one's decisions. Whether in personal or professional settings, these antonyms demonstrate a level of seriousness that is necessary for success in life. It is important to strike a balance between being playful and serious, and employing these antonyms can help you achieve this.

What are the antonyms for Play the fool?

Famous quotes with Play the fool

  • No man is so much a fool as not to have wit enough sometimes to be a knave; nor any so cunning a knave as not to have the weakness sometimes to play the fool.
    George Savile
  • Petrarch observes, that we change language, habits, laws, customs, manners, but not vices, not diseases, not the symptoms of folly and madness?they are still the same. And as a river, we see, keeps the like name and place, but not water, and yet ever runs, our times and persons alter, vices are the same, and ever be. Look how nightingales sang of old, cocks crowed, kine lowed, sheep bleated, sparrows chirped, dogs barked, so they do still: we keep our madness still, play the fool still; we are of the same humours and inclinations as our predecessors were; you shall find us all alike, much as one, we and our sons, and so shall our posterity continue to the last.
    Burton
  • This fellow's wise enough to play the fool, And to do that well craves a kind of wit.
    William Shakespeare
  • When we play the fool, how wide The theatre expands! beside, How long the audience sits before us! How many prompters! what a chorus!
    Walter Savage Landor
  • It's shameful to spot a lie and not to name it, shameful to name it and then to shut your eyes, shameful to call a funeral a wedding and play the fool at funerals besides.
    Andrey Voznesensky

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