play to the gallery
to do or say something just because you think it will please people and make you popular

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

play to the gallery
to spend time doing or saying things that will make people admire or support you, instead of dealing with more important matters.
Politicians these days are more interested in playing to the gallery than exercising real influence on world events.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

play to the gallery
to perform in a manner that will get the strong approval of the audience
The politician always plays to the gallery and tells his supporters what they want to hear.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

play to the gallery
v. phr. To try to get the approval of the audience.
Whenever John recites in class he seems to be playing to the gallery.
The lawyer for the defense was more interested in playing to the gallery than in winning the case.
Compare: SHOW OFF.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲