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Vocabulary : Phrasal Verbs : P : play up (1)

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play up (1) Informal

Meaning: If something is playing up, it isn't working properly or it's causing problems.

Synonym: act up

For example:

  • play up This bloody printer is playing up again!

  • play up Whenever the weather is cold and damp, my back plays up and I have to take pain medicine.

Quick Quiz:

If your computer is playing up, you should
  1. have it repaired
  2. throw it against a wall
  3. try harder to beat it

Grammar explanation: separable and non-separable phrasal verbs

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