played up (Meaning)

played up

emphasize, exaggerate, overemphasize

The news media played up the minor incident to sell more newspapers.
The politician played up his military service to appeal to voters.
The actor played up his villainous role to great effect.
The band played up the tempo of their new song to energize the crowd.
The lawyer played up the emotional aspect of the case to sway the jury.
The child played up his injury to get sympathy from his parents.
The salesperson played up the benefits of the product to increase sales.
The singer played up the high notes in the chorus to showcase his range.
The author played up the suspense in the novel to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The comedian played up his quirks and eccentricities to draw laughter from the audience.

emphasize, exaggerate, overemphasize

highlighted, pointed (up), emphasized, featured, stressed, accented, bore down on, foregrounded, focused, made much of

toned (down),played down, underemphasized, discounted, minimized,understated, de-emphasized, disparaged,belittled

The news media played up the minor incident to sell more newspapers.

The politician played up his military service to appeal to voters.

The actor played up his villainous role to great effect.

The band played up the tempo of their new song to energize the crowd.