play up

Found in Anh - Anh (Wordnet)

Definition Verb (phrasal verb) : To ingratiate oneself to someone, often with insincere behavior : To try to gain favor or approval from someone by using flattery or exaggerated attention. To move something into the foreground to make it more visible or prominent : To emphasize, highlight, or draw attention to something. Usage and Examples Verb (ingratiate) : He always plays up to the boss befo...