play up to

Idioms  

1. Curry favor with, flatter, as in There's no use playing up to the boss; it doesn't influence him. This expression originated about 1800 in the theater, where it meant “to support or assist another actor.” Within a couple of decades it was being used in other venues.

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Example Sentences

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

The Rams made no changes in the group from 2024, and they are confident that the late-season addition Forbes will play up to his potential as a former first-round draft pick.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2025

“They didn’t play up to their potential,” Schmetzer said of the entire team.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 17, 2024

Washington would greatly miss Johnson if he isn’t able to play up to standard.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2024

Even the doctors and nurses play up to this: a donor on a fourth will go in for a check and be greeted by whitecoats smiling and shaking their hand.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Related Words

• appeal to
• attract
• captivate
• charm
• dare
• fascinate
• induce
• intrigue
• invite
• motivate
• persuade
• seduce
• stimulate
• tantalize
• woo