play/work the angles
Verb
play the angles (third-person singular simple present plays the angles, present participle playing the angles, simple past and past participle played the angles)
(idiomatic) To seek ways to advance one's self-interest, especially by making choices in a calculating or crafty manner
to scheme.
To scheme something means to plan or organize something. It can also refer to a clever and often dishonest plan to do or get something.
(sports, of a defensive player or goaltender) In a game which involves control of
a moving object, such as a ball or puck, to allow for angular movements of the object caused by bounces, rebounds, ricochets, etc. or to carefully guard the corners of the goal, net, or other scoring target.
(sports, of an offensive player) In a game which involves control of a moving
object, such as a ball or puck, to seek scoring opportunities by advancing on or shooting at the scoring target in an angular manner across the field of play.
Synonyms:
work the angles
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Meanwhile, Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, seemed to be working an angle that Cohen and every other individual involved did the hush money deal behind his back. It's a theory Weissmann said won't hold up.