WordLens

play up

1 of 1verb
/ˈpleɪ ʌp/
Forms:plays up,playing up,played up,played up
1

to make something seem more important or noticeable by highlighting it

C2transitive
  • She decided to play up her strengths during the interview.
  • The company chose to play the benefits of the product up in their advertising campaign.
  • He plays up his connections to make himself seem more influential.
  • The media often plays up minor incidents, causing unnecessary panic.
  • To make the story more engaging, the author played up the main character's internal conflict.
Synonyms:
highlightforegroundspotlight
Antonyms:
background
2

to act in an insincere way, to gain favor or approval from someone else

  • Knowing the importance of the client, he played up during the entire meeting.
  • The interns tend to play up when they're seeking a full-time position.
  • She always plays up when influential people are around.
  • He always plays up to the boss whenever there's a promotion on the line.
Synonyms:
suck upcotton upsidle upcozy upshine up
3

(of machines or equipment) to not work properly

  • I need to replace this blender; it's been playing up recently.
  • My laptop has started to play up; I might need to get it checked.
  • If you overload the washing machine, it will likely play up.
  • My car's engine plays up whenever the weather gets too cold.
  • The old radio plays up and only receives a few stations clearly.
4

to cause discomfort or trouble

  • His old injury tends to play up when the weather gets cold.
  • Her allergies play up whenever she's around cats.
  • I've been avoiding cold drinks because my tooth has started to play up.
  • Whenever she runs for extended periods, her knee plays up and causes her pain.
5

to perform with enhanced energy or determination

  • As the competition neared its end, he played up, trying to catch up to the leading competitors.
  • After the coach's pep talk during halftime, the players came out ready to play up and turn the game around.
  • The band played up during the finale, giving the audience an energetic performance to remember.
  • Seeing they were behind in the score, the team decided to play up in the second half.
  • Knowing that scouts were watching, she decided to play up during the match to showcase her full potential.