play to the gallery

idiomPart ofgallery

play to the gallery — idiom

1. To behave or speak in an exaggerated way in order to attract attention or win th

1.idiom
Definition

To behave or speak in an exaggerated way in order to attract attention or win the approval of a crowd, especially by saying what you think they want to hear rather than what you truly believe.

Example

During the debate, the senator played to the gallery by making promises she knew she could not keep.

The comedian kept playing to the gallery with jokes about the mayor rather than telling his usual material.