play up

British  

verb

1. (tr) to emphasize or highlight

   to play up one's best features

2. informal to behave irritatingly (towards)

3. informal (intr) (of a machine, car, etc) to function erratically

   the car is playing up again

4. informal to hurt; give (one) pain or trouble

   my back's playing me up again

5. 1. to support (another actor) in a performance

   2. to try to gain favour with by flattery

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play up Idioms  

1. Emphasize or publicize, as in In the press interview, the coach played up the importance of having a strong defense. [c. 1900] Also see play down; play up to.

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Example Sentences

“It’s expected that we play up the ‘Get Out’ aspect.

From Los Angeles Times

Then again, another possibility: New England and Vrabel, a clever manipulator, are playing up the doubt because they know Maye is due.

From The Wall Street Journal

For much of its history, the San Mateo, Calif-based firm played up the promise of its novel drug for treating liver diseases brought on by obesity.

From Barron's

He danced to and inside the octagon, playing up to a raucous crowd that expressed plenty of love for him despite him being the away fighter.

From BBC

“Didn’t play up to our standard in some areas, and had chances to finish that game,” Stafford said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• point up