play to the gallery
play to the gallery
act in an exaggerated or histrionic manner, especially in order to appeal to popular taste.
From the mid 17th century the highest seating in a theatre was called the gallery and it was here that the cheapest seats – and the least refined members of the audience - were to be found. This figurative expression dates from the late 19th century.
play to the gallery :
Idioms Index – Previous Page
Related Links : play to the gallery