play up to somebody phrasal verb (see also play)
to behave in a very polite or kind way to someone because you want something from them:
Connie always plays up to her parents when she wants money.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

play up to
play up to (someone/something)
to treat someone or something very well so they will like you.
Politicians are always playing up to the media.

Usage notes: often said about efforts to benefit from someone's position or importance

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

play up to something
play up to (someone/something)
to treat someone or something very well so they will like you.
Politicians are always playing up to the media.

Usage notes: often said about efforts to benefit from someone's position or importance

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

play up to
to flatter or please someone to try and gain their favor
He is always playing up to his boss so he can get more free time.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

play up to
v. phr.. slang
1. To try to gain the favor of, especially for selfish reasons; act to win the approval of; try to please.
He played up to the boss.
2. To use (something) to gain an end; to attend to (a weakness).
He played up to the old lady's vanity to get her support.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

play up to someone
play up to (someone/something)
to treat someone or something very well so they will like you.
Politicians are always playing up to the media.

Usage notes: often said about efforts to benefit from someone's position or importance

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

play up to someone
to flatter or please someone to try and gain their favor
He is always playing up to his boss so he can get more free time.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲