mind game

Noun

(games, psychology) An attempt at psychological manipulation against someone, in order to confuse them.

Japanese Meaning

心理的操作：相手の精神状態を混乱させ、自らの優位を築くために仕掛ける心理的な策略や駆け引き / 心理戦：精神面での攻防戦を意味し、相手の判断や行動に影響を与えようとする試み

He admitted that his compliments were just a mind game meant to unsettle her before the negotiation.

彼は、自分の褒め言葉が交渉の前に彼女を動揺させるための心理的な駆け引きにすぎないと認めた。

Sense（1）

(games, psychology) An attempt at psychological manipulation against someone, in order to confuse them.

mind games

（ plural ）