(intransitive, idiomatic) To waste effort on a futile project.

(idiomatic, Britain) in a tight spot.

Trapped, cornered; discommoded, discomfited; in a quandary.

Alternative form of play both sides against the middle

(idiomatic) In a very difficult position.

(idiomatic) To manipulate opponents or competitors in a manner which benefits the manipulator.

(law, singular only) The rule that prevents a testator or other transferor of property from controlling further transfer of his property more than twenty-one years after the death of anyone alive at the time of the original transfer who may have some interest in the transfer.

plural of rule against perpetuities

(now rare) To be unfavourable to; to work against.

(idiomatic) Contrary to the flow of the game.