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to act up
[phrase form: act]
01
to cause regular discomfort or pain, often related to a physical illness or health issue
Examples
His old knee injury acts up every time it rains, causing him pain.
02
to behave in an improper manner, often disregarding rules or social norms
Examples
During the class, some students tend to act up and disrupt the lesson.
03
(of mechanical devices, technology, or equipment) to not work properly
Examples
My old computer tends to act up whenever I run multiple applications.
04
to be temporarily assigned to a higher position within an organization or role
Dialect
British
BritishExamples
Due to the manager 's illness, I had to act up as the team leader for a week.
