Play-fast-and-loose Definition

verb

(idiomatic) To ignore proper behavior or social conventions, especially when it suits one's purpose.

I cannot say that there were any outright lies in the editorial, but it does play fast and loose with the truth.

Wiktionary

(idiomatic) To be recklessly inaccurate, inappropriate, or otherwise ignoring guidelines and conventions.

Wiktionary

Origin of Play-fast-and-loose

From the con game Fast-and-loose, a cheating game played with a stick and a belt or string, so arranged that a spectator would think he could make the latter fast by placing a stick through its intricate folds, whereas the operator could detach it at once.

From Wiktionary