ENGLISH
REFERENCE

play to the gallery

idiom

To appeal to the least sophisticated parts of an audience in order to obtain maximum approval.


Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    child's play

    Something particularly easy or simple.

  2. 02

    go play in the traffic

    To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.

  3. 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.

  4. 04

    hold-up play

    A play where an attacker retains possession of the ball, while the teammates can move up the field.

  5. 05

    peanut gallery

    Any source of heckling, unwelcome commentary or criticism, especially from a know-it-all or of an inexpert nature. May also now refer to general audience response: "Let's hear it from the peanut gallery."

  6. 06

    play a part

    To be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factor.

  7. 07

    play a role

    To have an effect or influence on a situation or outcome; to contribute to something.

  8. 08

    play all one's cards

    To use all one's resources.

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