dirty pool

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

Probably an allusion to failing to follow the rules when playing billiards. Compare not cricket.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • Audio (AU)(file)

Noun[edit]

dirty pool (uncountable)

  1. (slang) Foul play, misconduct, underhandedness.
    • 1967 April 21, Keith Wheeler, Sandy Smith, “Murf the Surf and his Jewel-studded Jinx”, in Life, volume 62, number 16, page 95:
      The thieves, in their turn, have developed a self-pity syndrome about the FBI, considering government surveillance to be dirty pool — unjustifiable interference with free enterprise.
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