politics
government and public affairs
the work and discussion of running a country or city
in politics; go into politics; politics in [place]
- She works in politics and hopes to run for office one day.
- Local politics can have a big impact on schools and transport.
- The documentary explores how money influences politics.
- I read about politics in the news.
- He wants to go into politics.
political beliefs and opinions
someone’s ideas about how a country should be run
[someone]’s politics; discuss politics
- I don’t always agree with his politics, but I respect him.
- Their politics shifted after they moved to the city.
- We try not to discuss politics at family dinners.
- Her politics are very liberal.
the subject of politics
the school subject about government and power
study politics; a degree in politics
- She studied politics at university and then joined a nonprofit.
- Our politics class focused on elections and voter behavior.
- He’s reading a book on politics and international relations.
- I study politics at college.
power struggles inside groups
hidden competition for power in a group
the politics of [organization/group]; internal politics
- She’s great at her job but hates the politics in the office.
- The politics of the committee delayed the project for months.
- Try not to get pulled into campus politics during your first year.
- I don’t like office politics.
- Base: politics
- Plural: politics
dirty politics
1dishonest political tactics
politics using lies or unfair methods
- The campaign descended into dirty politics and smear ads.
- She resigned after being accused of dirty politics.
- The film shows how dirty politics can destroy trust.
identity politics
1politics centered on identity
politics focused on social identity groups
- The debate shifted toward identity politics and representation.
- Some voters feel tired of identity politics in campaign messaging.
- The article examines identity politics in modern democracies.
keep politics out of it
1avoid political discussion or influence
don’t talk about politics here
- Can we keep politics out of it and just talk about the project?
- The teacher asked students to keep politics out of the discussion.
- They tried to keep politics out of the family reunion.
office politics
1power games at work
hidden competition and relationships at work
- He avoids office politics and focuses on his tasks.
- Office politics got worse after the promotion was announced.
- She learned to handle office politics without taking sides.
party politics
1competition between political parties
politics focused on political parties and winning
- The issue became trapped in party politics before the election.
- She tried to rise above party politics and talk about jobs.
- Committee meetings were dominated by party politics.
play politics
1use tactics to gain advantage
to use tricks to get power or advantage
- He refused to play politics and focused on solving the problem.
- Don’t play politics with people’s jobs to win support.
- They started playing politics instead of working together.
politics as usual
1typical self-interested behavior
the usual disappointing way politicians act
- They promised change, but it feels like politics as usual.
- The reforms stalled—politics as usual in the capital.
- Voters are tired of politics as usual.
the politics of [something]
1power dynamics around an issue
the hidden power and interests behind something
- The book explores the politics of climate policy.
- They underestimated the politics of choosing a new team leader.
- The politics of funding can shape what research gets done.