From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishplay up phrasal verb1 play something ↔ upEMPHASIZE to emphasize something, sometimes making it seem more important than it really is Play up your strongest arguments in the opening paragraph.2 play (somebody) upBEHAVE British English informal if children play up, they behave badly Jordan’s been playing up in school. I hope the kids don’t play you up.3 play (somebody) upHURT/CAUSE PAIN British English informal to hurt you or cause problems for you My knee’s been playing me up this week. The car’s playing up again. → play→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
play up• The Prime Minister made great play of environmental issues, considering how little the government has done.• On TV last night the Democratic candidate was clearly playing up his caring image.• At the interview, remember to play up your experience of teaching in Japan. 