play up
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play, upUsed other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play, up.
» The truck didn't play up anymore.
Meaning
5 sensesUsed other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play, up.
Our school team is playing up at the old recreation ground.
(UK, idiomatic)To misbehave.
Children who do not receive enough attention may begin to play up.
The radar system is playing up again.
(transitive)To make or attempt to make something appear more important, likely, or obvious; to showcase or highlight.
For the audition, Nicole will play up her skill as a pianist by playing Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach.
(intransitive)To play (e.g. sport or music) more vigorously.
I can't hear the ukuleles at the back. Play up please!
(slang, transitive)To be unfaithful to a lover; to cheat; used with on.
- move into the foreground to make more visible or prominent
- ingratiate oneself to; often with insincere behavior
Examples
8 sentencesThe truck didn't play up anymore.
How you play is up to you.
deWie du spielst, ist dir überlassen. — Waldelfe
The mystery surrounding his death was played up by the media.
Either you eat, or you play, but make up your mind.
Let's play with dress-up dolls, Mary.
Translations
1 languagesForms
plays up, playing up, played up, played up| Base form | play up · to play up |
|---|---|
| 3rd person singular | plays up |
| Present participle | playing up |
| Past simple | played up |
| Past participle | played up |
irregular
Phrasal verbs
15 phrasal verbs- play upвитягти, витягатиUsed other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play, up.
- play offвідповідати, зійтисяTo portray (something) (as unimportant); to dismiss or make light of (a factor in a situation, or one's embarrassment about it); to pretend not to be embarrassed, upset, impressed, or otherwise affected by (it).
- play outнабридати, втомлюватисяTo play (a game etc.) to its conclusion.
- play downзрубати, зрубуватиTo make or attempt to make something seem less important, likely, or obvious.
- play alongслідувати, дотримуватисяTo take part in a charade, deception, or practical joke.
- play onTo exploit (a potential weakness or vulnerability) by exacerbating.
- play inUsed other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play, in.
- play backTo replay a recording.
More 7
- play awayTo be sexually unfaithful out of one's home
- play intoTo support (an idea or plan).
- play aroundTo behave in a silly, childish, or irresponsible way.
- play throughTo overtake a slower group of players ahead of one's own group, rather than waiting for them to finish the hole before proceeding.
- play aboutSynonym of play around.
- play withUsed other than figuratively or idiomatically: play with.
- play toUsed other than figuratively or idiomatically: see play, to.
Synonyms
20 synonymsAntonyms
1 antonymsLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, regular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Phrasal verbs: introduction — Because it is a phrasal verb