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Definition

Foul play; misconduct; underhandedness.

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Origins

Probably an allusion to failing to follow the rules when playing billiards. Compare not cricket.

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In Context

  • "The thieves, in their turn, have developed a self-pity syndrome about the FBI, considering government surveillance to be dirty pool — unjustifiable interference with free enterprise."
  • "To call Harriet Pilpel "strident" because she clearly and knowledgeably opposed Brownmiller's (and Cottingham's) position is not only dirty pool, but obfuscates the issues and prevents GCN readers from having access to Pilpel's well-defended and logical reminders that […]"