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

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.

Read more on Barron's

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on BBC

They are aware they could play up to 65 games in all competitions this season, after winning the Club World Cup this summer.

Read more on BBC

Its app uses artificial intelligence to make the processes more efficient, something executives and bankers have been playing up in its pitch to investors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• point up