How Do You Spell PLAY UP TO?

Pronunciation: [plˈe͡ɪ ˈʌp tuː] (IPA)

The phrase "play up to" means to flatter or seek favor from someone. The IPA transcription of "play up to" is /pleɪ ʌp tuː/. The first two sounds, /pleɪ/, represent the "AY" diphthong, which is a combination of the "EH" and "EE" vowel sounds. The /ʌp/ sound is the "UH" vowel sound followed by the voiceless bilabial plosive /p/. Finally, the /tuː/ sound is the "OO" vowel sound followed by the voiceless alveolar plosive /t/.

PLAY UP TO Meaning and Definition

1. "Play up to" is a phrasal verb that has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here is a 200-word dictionary definition of "play up to":

   1. To behave subserviently or ingratiatingly towards someone, often in a way that is insincere and intended to gain favor or benefit. This meaning is often used in relation to someone playing up to a superior or influential person. For example, an employee may play up to their boss’s preferences or flatter them in order to secure a promotion or favor.

   2. In the world of performing arts, particularly acting, "play up to" refers to the act of accentuating one's performance to attract attention and engage with the audience. Actors may amplify their stage presence or emphasize certain characteristics to captivate the audience's attention and elicit a positive response.

   3. To reinforce or emphasize a particular quality or characteristic, often in order to conform to expectations or meet established standards. For instance, musicians may play up to a particular style or genre in a way that accentuates its defining features, aimed at impressing listeners or attracting a specific audience.

   4. Another meaning of "play up to" is to amplify or exaggerate the severity or importance of a situation or issue, sometimes for personal gain or to draw attention. This usage is often seen in media or political contexts, where individuals or organizations may play up to certain incidents or controversies to manipulate public opinion or advance their own agenda.

   Overall, "play up to" encompasses a range of actions and behaviors, from insincere flattery to exaggerated performances or emphasizing certain qualities, depending on the intended outcome or context.

Common Misspellings for PLAY UP TO

• olay up to
• llay up to
• -lay up to
• 0lay up to
• pkay up to
• ppay up to
• poay up to
• plzy up to
• plsy up to
• plwy up to
• plqy up to
• plat up to
• plag up to
• plah up to
• plau up to
• pla7 up to
• pla6 up to
• play yp to
• play hp to
• play jp to

Idioms with the word PLAY UP TO

• play up to sm The idiom "play up to sm" means to flatter or try to please someone, often by behaving in a way that appeals to their preferences or expectations, in order to gain favor, attention, or advantage.
• play up to sb/sth The idiom "play up to sb/sth" means to try to gain favor or please someone or something by behaving in a way that you think they will approve of or by flattering or pandering to them. It is often used when someone wants to manipulate or gain advantage from a person or situation by acting in a way that they believe will be well-received.
• play up to To behave in a way that seeks to gain favor or attention from someone, especially in a manipulative or insincere manner.