play God

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play God (third-person singular simple present plays God, present participle playing God, simple past and past participle played God)

1. (intransitive, usually derogatory) To act in ways commonly associated with or reserved for God, especially by scientific means, such as exercising omnipotence or excessive control over life and nature.

   With all due respect, professor, do you really think that playing God and researching human immortality is a wise idea?

• God complex