play up

Children who do not receive enough attention may begin to play up.

For the audition, Nicole will play up her skill as a pianist by playing Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach.

And it's not for the sake of a ribboned coat,

Or the selfish hope of a season's fame,

But his Captain's hand on his shoulder smote —

'Play up! play up! and play the game!'

[…] the young fulla Jack'd brought along looked like he might suit in an emergency, and what the fuck, Jack'd already said she weren't interested. Serve Rog right if she played up on him.