Dirty pool
noun, slang
noun, slang ·Moderate ·College level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Foul play; misconduct; underhandedness. idiomatic, slang, uncountable
"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."
- 2 conduct that is unfair or unethical or unsportsmanlike wordnet
Example
More examples"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."
Etymology
Probably an allusion to failing to follow the rules when playing billiards. Compare not cricket.