The director tried to play Ann up, but she was not really a star.
•Try to play up the good qualities of our product.
Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.
play along with something — play along (with (someone/something)) to seem to support or be friendly to someone or something. He knew that if he didn t play along with the reporters, they would write unpleasant stories about him. I don t really like their idea that much but… … New 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 … New idioms dictionary
play havoc with (something) — 1. to cause someone to have trouble doing something. Strong winds played havoc with her golf game. 2. to damage something. Stormy conditions played havoc with the fishing … New idioms dictionary
play someone for a fool — play (someone) for a fool American & Australian to treat someone as if they are stupid, especially by trying to get something from them in a way that is not fair. He s playing you for a fool. Just don t lend him any more money … New idioms dictionary
play hell with someone or something — AND play the devil with someone or something tv. to cause difficulty for someone or something. □ You know that this cake is going to play hell with my diet. □ Your decision plays hell with all my friends … Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions
play the devil with someone or something — Go to play hell with someone or something … Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions
play fast and loose (with someone or something) — in. to treat someone or something carelessly or unfairly. □ The broker played fast and loose with our money. Now we are nearly broke. □ He was playing fast and loose with his girl, so she left him … Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions
praise someone or something to the skies — praise (someone or something) to the skies : to praise someone or something very much Critics have praised the play to the skies. • • • Main Entry: ↑praise praise (someone or something) to the skies see ↑praise, 1 • • • … Useful english dictionary
piss on someone or something — 1. in. to rinate on someone or something. (Usually objectionable.) □ That dog pissed on my shoe! □ Hey, watch out! Don’t piss on me! 2. in. to degrade or denigrate someone or something. (Usually objectionable.) □ He spent three paragraphs pissing … Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions
screw around with someone or something — in. to toy with, fiddle with or play around with someone or something. □ Andy screwed around with his clock until he broke it. □ Look, chum! Don’t screw around with me! … Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions
play off — verb set into opposition or rivalry let them match their best athletes against ours pit a chess player against the Russian champion He plays his two children off against each other • Syn: ↑pit, ↑oppose, ↑match • Derivationally related for … Useful english dictionary
