Play upon

usgb
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.
Visual representation of "play upon" - to use someone's feelings or weaknesses to get what you want

Often appears as...

  • play upon emotions
  • play upon fears

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "play upon"
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Emotional Leverage

Used to describe actions exploiting people's emotions or weaknesses strategically.

Illustration for Emotional Leverage
Politicians often play upon public fears during election campaigns.
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Persuasion Context

Common in situations where someone is trying to persuade or influence others.

Illustration for Persuasion Context
The lawyer played upon the jury's sympathy to win the case.
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Subtle Influence

The influence is often subtle and indirect, not obvious manipulation.

Illustration for Subtle Influence
Advertisers play upon our desire for status to sell luxury goods.
Visual representation of the word "Play upon"

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