play in Peoria
To receive widespread acceptance among members of the general American public.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“This new movie will surely play in Peoria.”
“The marketing team believes this simple, catchy slogan will play in Peoria and boost our national sales.”
“The politician crafted his speech to ensure his populist message would play in Peoria, appealing to voters across the entire country.”
The idiomatic sense is reported to have originated in vaudeville performances in the early 1900s.
- 01
child's play
Something particularly easy or simple.
- 02
go play in the traffic
To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.
- 03
grandstand play
A successful play or other manoeuvre during a sporting competition in which one or more players shows off unnecessarily in order to entertain or impress the spectators.
- 04
hold-up play
A play where an attacker retains possession of the ball, while the teammates can move up the field.
- 05
play a part
To be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factor.
- 06
play a role
To have an effect or influence on a situation or outcome; to contribute to something.
- 07
play all one's cards
To use all one's resources.
- 08
play along
To take part in a charade, deception, or practical joke.
Last updated August 10, 2026