play up
To make something seem bigger or more important than it is, or to behave badly, or when something stops working right.
Meanings
To exaggerate or give more emphasis to something than it deserves.
"The media tended to play up the rivalry between the two athletes."
(British informal) To misbehave or cause trouble, especially said of children.
"The kids started playing up as soon as the babysitter arrived."
(British informal) For a machine or part of the body to malfunction or cause pain.
"My old laptop has been playing up all week — it keeps crashing."
Very common in British English. 'The boiler is playing up' means it is malfunctioning. 'The children are playing up' means they are misbehaving. 'Play up your strengths' means to emphasize them.
Commonly used with
Forms
Understand "play up" better
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "play up" on Looplines