bring down the house
Meaning: To be a great success.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: The Absurd
Origin: The expression is almost exclusively used to describe theatrical or musical performances, but it could also be used for any event that would generate applause. It suggests that when an artistic performance is a great success, the audience applauds so noisily as to make the ceiling and walls of the theater collapse.
More idioms — The Absurd
- by hook or by crook — By one way or another; by any means possible.
- cast pearls before swine — To offer something to someone who cannot appreciate it.
- clown around — To act silly.
- come off it! — A response to a statement that cannot be believed (sentence 1) or a behavior that must be…
- for crying out loud — An expletive that means "This is ridiculous!" or "I've had enough!" It carries no literal…
- for goodness' sake — An expletive that means "This is ridiculous!" or "I've had enough!" It carries no literal…
More English idioms
- get someone the brush-off — To be dismissed casually and almost cruelly.
- give someone a bum steer — Bad advice or instructions.
- burn rubber — To accelerate with tires so quickly from a stopped position that the rubber tires make a…
- burn the candle at both ends — To overwork oneself.
- burned out — Lacking enthusiasm due to overexposure or too much of the same thing; completely used up;…
- burning question — A question that deserves or demands discussion.
Loading the full interactive collection…