play footsie
idiomatic verbal phrase

- the act of flirting in which one secretly touches the feet or legs of another with one's own, as under a table

- to cooperate or try to gain favor with someone in a sly or devious way

American Heritage Dictionary

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WORD ORIGIN

In the Internet age, nothing goes unexplained. One can find instructions and directions for any task, from calculating interest on a loan, to fixing a dripping tap, and even to playing footsie:

- Find the right person to play footsie with. It should be someone you really like.
- Gently use your foot to entangle theirs. This can include massaging their ankle with the sole of your foot, and even locking ankles.
- Every so often, make eye contact with the person and slowly smile.
- If possible slip off your shoe, as it is more comfortable for the other person.
- Make sure have clean feet and if you are wearing socks, they should not have holes.
- If you're doing this at a dinner table with other people, make sure you have the right person's foot!

adapted from WIKI-How

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There are many "foot-phrases" in English, these are very common:

- shoot (oneself) in the foot = to damage or impede one's own plans, progress, or actions through foolish actions or words.
- get off on the right (wrong) foot = to have a positive (negative) or (un)favorable start.
- foot the bill = to pay for something.

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Practice OWAD in a conversation:

"In these times of social distancing, one would need very long legs to PLAY FOOTSIE."

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Thanks to Volker for suggesting today's word!