foul play

noun

1. any treacherous or unfair dealing, especially involving murder:

   We feared that he had met with foul play.

2. unfair conduct in a game.

foul play

noun

1. unfair or treacherous conduct esp with violence
2. a violation of the rules in a game or sport

Word History and Origins

Origin of foul play¹

First recorded in 1600–10

Idioms and Phrases

Unfair or treacherous action, especially involving violence. For example, The police suspected he had met with foul play . This term originally was and still is applied to unfair conduct in a sport or game and was being used figuratively by the late 1500s. Shakespeare used it in The Tempest (1:2): “What foul play had we, that we came from thence?”

Example Sentences

Months after Kansas authorities confirmed they suspected no foul play in Cole Brings Plenty’s death, the “1923” actor’s family has publicly challenged the results of their investigation.

From Los Angeles Times

But by the end of 2008, the couple had started to suspect foul play.

From BBC

He said there were no signs of "a third party involvement" or any foul play.

From BBC

Medical examiners have requested a toxicology report, with the results expected in the future, and forensic experts found no evidence of defensive injuries or foul play, the statement said.

From Los Angeles Times

Both the election commission and Frelimo deny any foul play, insisting that the elections will be free and fair.

From BBC