plays, played, playing
to play up
phrasal verb
To cause trouble or not work properly
- 1My car is starting to play up again.
- 2The printer has been playing up all morning.
When something is not working properly or causing problems, we say it is "playing up." It means that the thing is not functioning as it should and is causing trouble. For example, if a car is playing up, it might not start or make strange noises.
Remember, "playing up" is usually used for objects or machines, not people. So if your computer is playing up, it means it's not working properly, not that it's causing trouble on purpose.
at a shopping center
Unexpected Phone Troubles
Sarah
Hey David, my phone is starting to play up again.
David
Oh no, is it the battery or something else this time?
Sarah
It's the screen; it keeps freezing whenever I try to open an app.
David
Maybe we should find a tech store nearby to get it checked out.
at a hair salon
Hairdryer Headache
Frank
Hey Jeffrey, can you check the hairdryer? It's starting to play up again.
Jeffrey
Oh no, not again! It was just fixed last week.
Frank
I know, but it's making that weird noise and keeps shutting off.
Jeffrey
Alright, let me take a look at it before it causes more trouble.
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Similar to "to play up":
- 1malfunction
- 2misbehave