play into someone's hands

present singular third person plays into someone's hands · participle present playing into someone's hands · participle past played into someone's hands · past played into someone's hands · alternative play into someone's hand · alternative play into the hands of · alternative play into the hand of

1. To act, or to manage matters, to someone's advantage or benefit.

   1 more example

   It had been suggested Napoli's fans struggle to form an attachment with the Italy team and their silence throughout the first half and reaction at half time suggested they could hardly wait to get back to throwing their passion and fire behind their own team as they run away with Serie A and chase the Champions League. The subdued mood played into England's hands, Gareth Southgate's side only making life difficult for themselves with their own indifferent showing that almost allowed Italy back in.

   2023 March 23, Phil McNulty, “Italy 1-2 England”, in BBC Sport