The phrase "play off against" refers to a strategic maneuver often used in competitive scenarios, particularly in sports or interpersonal relationships. It involves deliberately pitting one person, team, or group against another in order to create a sense of rivalry or animosity, with the aim of gaining an advantage for oneself.
In a sporting context, playing off against occurs when a team or individual intentionally encourages two opponents to compete against each other with the ulterior motive of benefiting from their conflict. This could involve exploiting the differences in skill, tactics, or weaknesses of the opponents, thereby weakening both parties and increasing one's own chances of victory. The primary objective is to manipulate the situation in a way that diverts attention away from oneself and directs it towards the rivalry unfolding between the opponents.
In interpersonal relationships, playing off against can involve stirring up discord or competition between individuals to create divisions and distraction. This tactic can be employed to hide one's own motives or actions, or to influence others by sowing seeds of distrust or rivalry. By setting people against each other, the person utilizing this strategy seeks to benefit from the ensuing turmoil, confusion, or division.
In summary, "play off against" refers to the deliberate act of strategically setting opponents or individuals against each other, either in sports or interpersonal dynamics, in order to gain personal advantage through the resulting competition, rivalry, or discord.
