play (a game of) cat and mouse with somebody | play a cat-and-mouse game with somebody
play (a game of) cat and mouse with somebody | play a cat-and-mouse game with somebody
to play a cruel game with somebody in your power by changing your behaviour very often, so that they become nervous and do not know what to expect
He thought the police were playing some elaborate game of cat and mouse and waiting to trap him.
Young car thieves enjoy playing cat and mouse with the police.