Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase.
“Play to the gallery”
a) Try to win approval or popularity by appealing to the tase of the masses
b) Instigate
c) Make hollow promises
d) Act with all firmness at one’s command
e) Strike a secret deal

Answer 1

Hint: The phrase “play to the gallery” means to act, behave, or perform in a way as to receive the strongest approval from the audience or spectators.

Complete answer:
Let us look at the options we have and see which one holds a similar meaning to that of the phrase “Play to the gallery“ as given to us in the question. Option a “Try to win approval or popularity by appealing to the tase of the masses” is similar to the meaning of the phrase “Play to the gallery” as explained above in the hint. Therefore, option ‘a’ is the correct answer.
Option b ‘instigate’ is a verb which means to bring about or initiate an action or an event. This is not the same in meaning as that of the given phrase “play to the gallery”. Thus, option ‘b’ is incorrect.
Option c ‘make hollow promises’ is a phrase that means to make commitments or promises that one has no intention of keeping in the future, promises that are just made for the sake if it in the present but the person has no intention of keeping them or living up to them. This is not similar in meaning to that of the given phrase. Thus, option ‘c’ is incorrect.
Option d ‘strike a secret deal’ phrase means to successfully achieve a deal or agreement for an acceptable price or exchange for something. This is not similar in meaning to the required meaning of the phrase. Thus, option ‘d’ is incorrect.

Note:
 The clear meaning of the given phrase has been mentioned in the options directly. The elimination method can also be used if the meaning of the rest of the options is known.