politics
the work and discussion of running a country or city
the activities, ideas, and debates involved in governing a country or community, including elections, parties, and public decision-making
someone’s ideas about how a country should be run
a person’s or group’s political views, principles, or ideology
the school subject about government and power
the academic study of government, power, political systems, and political behavior
hidden competition for power in a group
competition, negotiation, and sometimes manipulation within an organization or group as people try to gain influence and control decisions
- 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.
- Dirty politics can damage democracy.
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.
- Let’s keep politics out of it.
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.
- Office politics can be stressful.
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.
- I don’t like 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.
- We discussed the politics of education.