Example 1:
Cindy: Wow Jenna! Your eyes look great! I love your makeup!
Jenna: Thanks, Cindy! I took a makeup class last week and I learned how to play up my eyes with the right colors. Do you have some free time? I can show you some tricks!
Cindy: That would be great. Thanks!
Example 2:
The big election is coming up in a few months! Who is the best candidate? How do you know if they are telling the truth? One thing is certain, the candidates will be playing up the importance of family values and other issues they think will gain votes and support.
Meaning:
to play up = to make something easier to notice. to enhance or emphasize
In example 1, Jenna's eye makeup really makes her blue eyes more noticeable.
In example 2, the candidates will make sure family values and other important issues will be noticeable/emphasized in their speeches.
You can find this idiom and more in LSI's Reading Savvy 1st Edition, which is used to teach Level 5 Reading/Vocabulary at LSI schools. For more information please visit www.languagesystems.com
Example 1:
Paul: Hey Mario. Are you OK? You seem angry or stressed out. What's going on?
Mario: Hi Paul. I'm OK. It's just my summer school class. It's really difficult and I'm thinking about quitting.
Paul: Really? But you're such a good student! I think you should stick it out. You only have 2 weeks until it's over!
Mario: Maybe you're right. If I quit, I will certainly regret it!
Example 2:
Studying English in the United States can be difficult at first. You may experience culture shock, loneliness, confusion, and more. For some students, the feelings are so negative that they think about quitting and going home! However, if you stick it out, it can be one of the best decisions you have ever made! You can meet many new people from all over the world at your ESL school and learn about different cultures. You can make friends with native speakers and really improve your English! If you do these things, you will be so happy that you stuck it out!
Meaning:
to stick it out = not quit even though the situation may be difficult/unpleasant. This expression is used for temporary or semi-permanent situations that have an ending date such as a class, contract, study program, etc.
You can find this idiom and more in LSI's Reading Savvy, 1st Edition, which is used to teach Level 5 Reading/Vocabulary at LSI schools. For more information please visit www.languagesystems.com
Example 1: