play up

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

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

Now it has arrived, thanks to an administration that has played up false information while cutting support for science.

From Los Angeles Times

His fastball was playing up, eclipsing 100 mph seven times and topping out at 101.7 mph.

From Los Angeles Times

Haaland's critics might jump on this as proof that anyone could score bundles of goals if they played up front for Manchester City.

From BBC

Indiana’s quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator would put plays up on the whiteboard and have everyone in the room explain every detail of what was supposed to happen.

From Los Angeles Times

In the years-long struggle to regain control of her masters, Swift played up her role as the target of a cruel plan, concocted by a man who wanted to govern a woman’s art.

From Salon

Related Words

• point up