act up

verb

1. informal.
   intr, adverb to behave in a troublesome way

   the engine began to act up when we were miles from anywhere

Example Sentences

However, the activism of groups like ACT UP was beginning to have unforeseen effects.

From The Daily Beast

By the time ACT UP came around to deal with the inertia, it seemed like a raging inevitability that hit with the force of a blaze.

From The Daily Beast

In 1988, I spent an ACT UP weekend in Washington D.C., which was an eye-opening experience for both sides.

From The Daily Beast

Their message was serious, their activism was witty and fast, like their direct action antecedents, ACT UP!

From The Daily Beast

“Most of my friends from ACT UP did not want me to get involved with David,” Staley says.

From The Daily Beast

Says she's read it was better so, and though she's afraid her old cook'll 'act up' about it she's bound to try.

From Project Gutenberg

With a very few exceptions, the French women act up to this doctrine, and are as natural as any one could wish them.

From Project Gutenberg

He haggled long about the price, for form's sake, to act up to his part as Nicholas Korpanoff, a plain merchant of Irkutsk.

From Project Gutenberg

No need to act up to your costume, nor even to talk in character.

From Project Gutenberg

Once sure of that, and where women are concerned it is not easy, the next is, to act up to the decision.

From Project Gutenberg