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Play God

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Moral ImplicationsPlay
The phrase often implies moral judgment of using excessive power or overstepping ethical boundaries. SlideWhen the CEO fired half the staff on a whim, employees accused him of playing God.
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Used CriticallyPlay
It's commonly used in a critical way to show disapproval of someone's actions or decisions. SlideYou can't just decide who gets to stay on the team; you're not playing God here.
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Idiomatic NuancePlay
The phrase can be used metaphorically to discuss actions that drastically alter natural or expected courses. SlideHe tried to play God by controlling his children's every decision.