VERB
-
ingratiate oneself to; often with insincere behavior
She is playing up to the chairman -
move into the foreground to make more visible or prominent
The introduction highlighted the speaker's distinguished career in linguistics
How To Use play up In A Sentence
- To this end, when writing up the results of their ethnographic work, authors play up their academic credentials and qualifications, their previous experience, and so on.
- This is her response when asked what she thought of the screenplay upon first read.
- At daybreak the guns of the castle began to play upon the mosque, and, some of the shot penetrating its walls, the pusillanimous Jemal al-alum, being alarmed at the danger, judged it advisable to retreat from thence and to set up his standard in another quarter, called kampong Jawa, his people at the same time retaining possession of the mosque. The History of Sumatra Containing An Account Of The Government, Laws, Customs And Manners Of The Native Inhabitants
- The only real concern for holders and All-Ireland champions Kerry will be to play up to form.
- He can play up front or across the midfield and will add an extra bite to the team and our performances.
- Mr. Obama, by contrast, is what Mr. Steele describes as a bargainer, a black who appeals to the white majority by agreeing not to play up the nation's shameful racial history in return for not having his skin color held against him. Race and the Presidential Race
- Warden, “grounded on a vain play upon words — a most idle paronomasia.” The Monastery
- The journey from after dinner play up to the bathroom and into the bath is getting rough.
- This sluggish play up front was emphasised by the large number of unnecessary offsides given.
- Her challenge will be to play up her antifeminine qualities without being completely without charm and appeal. Upstanding John Podhoretz warns of the uncivilized Charlie Rangel