How to Pronounce "play upon"
expression
ˈpɫeɪ/ /əˈpɑn
PLAY uh-PAHN
plˈeɪ/ /əpˈɒn
play uh-PON
Definition
To use something, such as an emotion, idea, or word, for your own advantage, often by manipulating it. This phrase can also mean to make a joke using a word's double meaning.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpɫeɪ/ /əˈpɑn
British English
plˈeɪ/ /əpˈɒn
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PLAY uh-PAHN
UK
play uh-PON
Listen in Context
Politicians often play upon people's hopes and fears.
He loves to play upon words and make puns.
Advertisements sometimes play upon our emotions to make us buy things.
That comedian loves to play upon words—he always has a clever pun ready.