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play up to

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play up to someone

to flatter someone; to try to gain influence with someone. It won't do any good to play up to me. I refuse to agree to your proposal. I played up to him and he still wouldn't give in to me.

See also: play, up

play up to somebody/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

See also: play, up

play up to

Curry favor with, flatter, as in There's no use playing up to the boss; it doesn't influence him. This expression originated about 1800 in the theater, where it meant "to support or assist another actor." Within a couple of decades it was being used in other venues.

See also: play, up

play up to

To curry favor with.

See also: play, up