play on

play upon

[verb]

take advantage of, abuse, capitalize on, exploit, impose on, trade on

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exploit (a weak or vulnerable point in someone)

he played on his opponent's nerves

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play on (also play upon) [phrasal verb]

play on/upon (something) : to make people do what you want by using (their emotions, fears, concerns, etc.) in an unfair way

The company plays on [=takes advantage of] the concerns of parents in order to sell their products.

Politicians often win votes by playing on [=exploiting] people's emotions.

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Main Entry: ↑play

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ˌplay ˈon derived

(sport) to continue to play; to start playing again

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The home team claimed a penalty but the referee told them to play on.

Main entry: ↑play_derived