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

With less natural light, Miranda-Martin wanted to play up the idea of dining-room-as-treehouse, reflecting the second-floor foliage visible from the small windows.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026

The young Berliner is a gifted attacking midfielder who can also play up top.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2026

“We didn’t play up to par in the trenches,” Skipper said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2025

“You could move to Charleston and play up there,” I suggested virtuously.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Related Words

• point up