play up to
play up to {v. phr.}. {slang}
1. To try to gain the favor of, especially for selfish reasons; act to win the approval of; try to please.
He played up to the boss.
2. To use (something) to gain an end; to attend to (a weakness).
He played up to the old lady's vanity to get her support.
Categories:
Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
