# play in Peoria

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/play-in-peoria
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To receive widespread acceptance among members of the general American public.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

The idiomatic sense is reported to have originated in vaudeville performances in the early 1900s.

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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.