Play upon
verb
To use someone's feelings or weaknesses to get what you want.
The speaker was able to play upon the emotions of the crowd to gain support.
Often appears as...
- play upon emotions
- play upon fears
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To produce or perform music on an instrument.
She can play upon a variety of musical instruments.
Often appears as...
- play upon the piano
- play upon the violin
verb
To use someone's feelings or weaknesses to get what you want.
The speaker was able to play upon the emotions of the crowd to gain support.
Often appears as...
- play upon emotions
- play upon fears
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To produce or perform music on an instrument.
She can play upon a variety of musical instruments.
Often appears as...
- play upon the piano
- play upon the violin
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Leverage
Used to describe actions exploiting people's emotions or weaknesses strategically.
Politicians often play upon public fears during election campaigns.
Pro Tip 2/3Persuasion Context
Common in situations where someone is trying to persuade or influence others.
The lawyer played upon the jury's sympathy to win the case.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Influence
The influence is often subtle and indirect, not obvious manipulation.
Advertisers play upon our desire for status to sell luxury goods.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Leverage
Used to describe actions exploiting people's emotions or weaknesses strategically.
Politicians often play upon public fears during election campaigns.
Pro Tip 2/3Persuasion Context
Common in situations where someone is trying to persuade or influence others.
The lawyer played upon the jury's sympathy to win the case.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Influence
The influence is often subtle and indirect, not obvious manipulation.
Advertisers play upon our desire for status to sell luxury goods.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Leverage
Used to describe actions exploiting people's emotions or weaknesses strategically.
Politicians often play upon public fears during election campaigns.
Pro Tip 2/3Persuasion Context
Common in situations where someone is trying to persuade or influence others.
The lawyer played upon the jury's sympathy to win the case.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Influence
The influence is often subtle and indirect, not obvious manipulation.
Advertisers play upon our desire for status to sell luxury goods.
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