Act up

Definition 1 of 2

Pro Tip 1/3

Technical Trouble

Use 'act up' for gadgets or machines causing frustration due to malfunctions.

Illustration for Technical Trouble

If your printer starts acting up, try restarting it before calling support.

Pro Tip 2/3

Mischievous Behavior

'Act up' often describes children or animals misbehaving in a playful but troublesome way.

Illustration for Mischievous Behavior

Whenever there's a full moon, the kids in my class tend to act up more.

Pro Tip 3/3

Non-serious Context

'Act up' isn't generally used for serious or criminal behaviors, only for minor disruptions.

Illustration for Non-serious Context

My phone's acting up, it keeps dropping calls today.

Visual representation of the word "Act up"

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