Phrasal verb
play up
Definition
phrasal verb. to behave badly or not work the way it should. You use this for a child who is being difficult or a machine that is broken.
phrasal verb. to behave in a troublesome way or to malfunction. The verb is intransitive in this sense and is frequently applied to children, body parts, or mechanical devices.
Examples
“My computer is playing up and keeps freezing.”
“The toddler started to play up in the middle of the supermarket because he wanted some chocolate.”
“Despite the knee injury playing up during the final set, the athlete refused to retire from the match.”
Examples
simple
“My computer is playing up and keeps freezing.”
contextual
“The toddler started to play up in the middle of the supermarket because he wanted some chocolate.”
complex
“Despite the knee injury playing up during the final set, the athlete refused to retire from the match.”
Usage
This sense is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Teaching tip
Contrast with the American equivalent 'act up' and the transitive sense 'to play something up' which means to emphasize it.
Pitfall
My leg is playing up me.
My leg is playing up.
When 'play up' means to cause pain or malfunction, it is intransitive and cannot take an object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
play + up
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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