play to

phrasal verb4 collocationsAvg. frequency: 7.7

To utilize one's abilities and advantages to the greatest possible effect.

Similar to 'play to the audience', but often implies a larger, more general, or less sophisticated group.

To perform in a manner that is intended to appeal to the tastes of a particular audience, often in an exaggerated or populist way.

Specifically refers to playing to the audience in a theater or similar venue (a 'full house').

Collocations with "play to"