# bring down the house

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bring-down-the-house
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To garner enthusiastic or wild applause or laughter.

## Examples

- The comedian told a funny joke and brought down the house.
- The lead singer gave such an incredible performance that she brought down the house at the end of the concert.
- When the young actor delivered his final monologue with such raw intensity, the audience rose to their feet and brought down the house.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.