1
general::
Phrase(s): play someone or something up
to make someone or something seem to be more important. • The director tried to play Ann up, but she was not really a star. • Try to play up the good qualities of our product., Phrase(s): play something up
to emphasize something; to be a booster of something. • The press played the scandal up so much that everyone became bored with it. • They really played up the scandal.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Emphasize or publicize, as in In the press interview, the coach played up the importance of having a strong defense. [c. 1900] Also see PLAY DOWN; PLAY UP TO.
American Heritage Idioms