Play up
verb
To exaggerate or make something seem more important than it is.
He likes to play up his connection to the owner.
Often appears as...
- play up a role
- play up a feature
phrasal verb
To misbehave or act in a disruptive manner.
The children always start to play up when their mother is not around.
Often appears as...
- children play up
- students play up
Usage tips
Neutral, Colloquial, Disapproving
phrasal verb
When a machine or a part of the body starts working incorrectly or stops working.
My laptop has started to play up again, I think I need to get it fixed.
Often appears as...
- computer plays up
- car plays up
verb
To exaggerate or make something seem more important than it is.
He likes to play up his connection to the owner.
Often appears as...
- play up a role
- play up a feature
phrasal verb
To misbehave or act in a disruptive manner.
The children always start to play up when their mother is not around.
Often appears as...
- children play up
- students play up
Usage tips
Neutral, Colloquial, Disapproving
phrasal verb
When a machine or a part of the body starts working incorrectly or stops working.
My laptop has started to play up again, I think I need to get it fixed.
Often appears as...
- computer plays up
- car plays up
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Emphasis Effect
Used to make something seem more dramatic for persuasion or effect.
The politician played up the risks to gain support.
Pro Tip 2/3Persuasive Technique
Often found in advertising to highlight the best features of a product.
Advertisers play up the benefits of the shampoo.
Pro Tip 3/3Subjective Portrayal
Can be subjective, reflecting the speaker's view or agenda.
As an artist, he always plays up his work's uniqueness.
Pro Tip 1/3Emphasis Effect
Used to make something seem more dramatic for persuasion or effect.
The politician played up the risks to gain support.
Pro Tip 2/3Persuasive Technique
Often found in advertising to highlight the best features of a product.
Advertisers play up the benefits of the shampoo.
Pro Tip 3/3Subjective Portrayal
Can be subjective, reflecting the speaker's view or agenda.
As an artist, he always plays up his work's uniqueness.
Pro Tip 1/3Emphasis Effect
Used to make something seem more dramatic for persuasion or effect.
The politician played up the risks to gain support.
Pro Tip 2/3Persuasive Technique
Often found in advertising to highlight the best features of a product.
Advertisers play up the benefits of the shampoo.
Pro Tip 3/3Subjective Portrayal
Can be subjective, reflecting the speaker's view or agenda.
As an artist, he always plays up his work's uniqueness.
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