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

Sakai gained the support of the Alexandra Palace crowd with a long, exuberant walk-on and was a showman who played up to the fans throughout his match.

From BBC

Mr. Servillo, a veteran actor, resists all temptation to win the sympathy of the audience by playing up the emotions or the dialogue.

From The Wall Street Journal

Compounding the downbeat mood are concerns that the Federal Reserve will decide against a third-straight interest rate cut next month, as stubborn inflation plays up against a weakening jobs market.

From Barron's

Having always played up one or more levels on club teams, sometimes alongside boys, Brewer developed a strong sense of self.

From Los Angeles Times

Although he prefers to play on the right, Johnson has played up front, but Oxford United's Mark Harris - without a goal in 29 games for club and country - started as the centre-forward.

From BBC

Related Words

• point up