Play up | EWA Phasal Verbs Dictionary
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phrasal verbs

Play up

/ˈpleɪfəl/

B2

UpperIntermediate

1. To exaggerate or emphasize the importance, seriousness, or impact of something.

  • The journalist played up the celebrity's minor mistake, making it seem like a scandal.
  • He tends to play up his accomplishments to impress his friends.

2. To cause trouble or behave in a troublesome manner.

  • The kids have been playing up all day, refusing to do their homework.
  • My computer is playing up again; it keeps freezing unexpectedly.

3. To highlight or showcase a feature or aspect positively.

  • The designer played up the room's natural light with large windows.
  • She played up her strengths in her job interview.

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