ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ham it up

idiom
Meaning

To deliberately exaggerate one's emotions or movements, or to overact or act hammily.


Examples
SIMPLE

He likes to ham it up when he tells funny stories.

CONTEXTUAL

The actor decided to ham it up during the comedy scene, making the audience laugh out loud.

COMPLEX

Although the director requested a subtle performance, the lead actor could not resist the urge to ham it up for the cameras.

Anchors to
Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    indict a ham sandwich

    Of a grand jury: to charge a person with a crime, despite a perceived lack of evidence.

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