play with words; show off literary skills; engage in writing
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesverb
to play with words; to show off one's literary skills; to engage in writing (often with connotations of pretension)
Can be used neutrally to mean 'writing' but often carries a slightly derogatory sense of showing off or being overly concerned with style rather than substance.
He loved to play with words when he was young, and later became a famous writer.
Don't just show off your literary skills; you need to take practical action.
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This official is good at playing with words, turning simple reports into extremely complicated documents.
verb
to manipulate legal writings; to play with the law (for personal gain)
formalThis meaning is closer to 舞文弄法. It implies perverting justice by exploiting legal technicalities.
Some officials manipulate legal texts, distorting the original intent of the law for personal gain.
In ancient times, some officials were skilled at playing with the law to frame innocent commoners.