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

See Examples For:

play up

Leading Premier League clubs also compete for as many as four different trophies every season, meaning the best players are asked to play up to 60 games in a single campaign.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

Whereas Cheap Trick used to play up to 250 shows a year in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the band now averages about 75.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 17, 2026

Yes, Jonny didn't play up to scratch but neither did I. I was trying too hard because I wanted to win.

From BBC ● Mar. 26, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 21, 2026

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

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Related Words

• point up