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

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

“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

"The incel line doesn't sum the play up at all," says Freeman.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2025

"At times I think we showed that we can play up against any team in the world."

From BBC • Aug. 13, 2025

“I used to play up there by the dovecotes,” she said.

From "The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke

Related Words

• point up