The politician likes to play to the gallery during his speeches.
play to the gallery
idiomTo appeal to the least sophisticated parts of an audience in order to obtain maximum approval.
Instead of discussing real policy, the candidate chose to play to the gallery to win easy applause from the crowd.
The lawyer abandoned his logical arguments and began to play to the gallery, hoping the jury would favor his emotional performance over the facts.
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child's play
Something particularly easy or simple.
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go play in the traffic
To go elsewhere and feel free to engage in risky behavior; to get lost.
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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.
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hold-up play
A play where an attacker retains possession of the ball, while the teammates can move up the field.
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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."
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play a part
To be involved in such a way to affect the outcome, to be a contributing factor.
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play a role
To have an effect or influence on a situation or outcome; to contribute to something.
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play all one's cards
To use all one's resources.