play up

play up

1. (Britain, idiomatic) To misbehave

   Children who do not receive enough attention may begin to play up.

   The radar system is playing up again.

2. (idiomatic) 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.

3. (intransitive) To play more vigorously.
   • Henry Newbolt, Vitai Lampada

     And it's not for the sake of a ribboned coat,
     Or the selfish hope of a season's fame,
     But his Captain's hand on his shoulder smote —
     'Play up! play up! and play the game!'

• (to misbehave): act up

• play down