"play up to" in Chinese (Simplified)
讨好（为了得到好处）- 拍马屁
Definition
为了让有权力的人喜欢自己或获得好处而刻意讨好他们，通常通过说好话或表现得很殷勤。
Usage Notes (Chinese (Simplified))
非正式且带点贬义，常用于指为了讨好老师、上司等权威人物而过度奉承或巴结。不要与“play”字面意思混淆，这里指拍马屁或逢迎。
Examples
He always plays up to the teacher to get better grades.
他总是**讨好**老师，为了拿到更好的成绩。
Some students play up to the coach hoping to be chosen for the team.
有些学生**拍马屁**教练，希望能被选进队里。
Why do you always play up to people in charge?
你为什么总是**讨好**有权的人？
Stop playing up to the boss—we all know what you're doing.
别再**拍老板马屁**了，我们都知道你在干嘛。
He tried to play up to his in-laws during dinner, but it was obvious.
他在晚餐时试图**讨好**岳父母，但太明显了。
You'll never get ahead just by playing up to important people.
光靠**拍重要人物的马屁**，你是不会真正进步的。