Play up

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candy

#217463 Wed, 19 Apr 06 06:26 AM

Play up

"Will you play up the fact that I studied in the US?"

I guess the meaning of "play up" is "emphasize" in this case.

(....? Yes?)

I checked "play up" on the Internet, but each online dictionaly has a different definition.

Does the phrase have different definitions between American English and British English?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Candy

candy

Joined on Mon, Sep 8 2003

Full Member (396)

Alan.es

#217480 Wed, 19 Apr 06 07:45 AM

Certainly in British English it means emphasise, even exaggerate, in this context.

Alan.es

Joined on Sun, Apr 16 2006

Full Member (303)

British English

candy

#217976 Thu, 20 Apr 06 09:47 AM

Hi Alan, thanks for your reply.

In this context, my understanding seems to be fine.

Thanks again. Smile [:)]

candy

Grammar Geek

#218046 Thu, 20 Apr 06 02:34 PM

A similar use but another context is when a woman wears make-up that "plays up" her eyes. Or her lips. Whatever you want to emphasize, or make the most of..

Grammar Geek

Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006

Pennsylvania, USA

Veteran Member (16,064)

Barbara, who answers in American English.

Clive

#218187 Fri, 21 Apr 06 12:05 AM

Hi,

We also say things, at least in BrE, like 'My back is playing up', meaning I'm having trouble with it, it's painful. I see this as somewhat related to the 'emphasising' meaning.

Best wishes, Clive

Clive

Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004

Canada

Veteran Member (22,460)

El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo