Phrasal Verbs

play up (1)

This page is about the phrasal verb play up (1)

British and Australian English 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.

Variety

This is typically used in British and Australian English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz

If your computer is playing up, you should

a. have it repaired

b. throw it against a wall

c. try harder to beat it
a) have it repaired b) throw it against a wall c) try harder to beat it
play up (1)

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1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context

Contributor: Matt Errey