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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
Example
His old knee injury acts up every time it rains, causing him pain.
When her back starts acting up, she has trouble with daily activities.
02
to behave in an improper manner, often disregarding rules or social norms
Example
During the class, some students tend to act up and disrupt the lesson.
Children may act up when they are seeking attention from their parents.
03
(of mechanical devices, technology, or equipment) to not work properly
Example
My old computer tends to act up whenever I run multiple applications.
The printer started acting up, and we could n't get it to print the documents.
04
to be temporarily assigned to a higher position within an organization or role
Dialect
British
BritishExample
Due to the manager 's illness, I had to act up as the team leader for a week.
While our supervisor is on maternity leave, John will act up as the interim department head.
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