fast and loose

English

Noun

fast and loose (uncountable)

1. (historical) A con game played with a chain, belt or string that is laid down to form two open loops. The mark places a finger or stick in one of the loops to try to secure the chain when it gets lifted, but the con artist is able to prevent this no matter which loop was chosen.

   Synonyms: prick the garter, pitch the nob, pricking at the belt, strap game

Derived terms

• play fast and loose
• talk fast and loose