play on
play upon
[verb]
Synonyms: take advantage of, abuse, capitalize on, exploit, impose on, trade on

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

play on/upon something phrasal verb (see also play)
to use a feeling, fact, or idea in order to get what you want, often in an unfair way:
The ad plays on our emotions, showing a doctor holding a newborn baby.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

play on
play on (something)
to use something for your own advantage.
The news reports just seemed to play on people's emotions.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

play on something
play on (something)
to use something for your own advantage.
The news reports just seemed to play on people's emotions.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

play on
• play on/upon (something)
to cause an effect on something, to influence something
The company played on the feelings of loneliness of the people to get them to buy more products.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

play on something
• play on/upon (something)
to cause an effect on something, to influence something
The company played on the feelings of loneliness of the people to get them to buy more products.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

play on
v.
1. To cause an effect on; influence.
A heavy diet of television drama played on his feelings.
2. To work upon for a planned effect; excite to a desired action by cunning plans; manage.
The makeup salesman played on the woman's wish to look beautiful.
In some places, leaders play upon people's superstitious fears.
He played on the man's ambition and love of honor.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲