step on the laughs
English
Verb
step on the laughs
- To tell jokes too rapidly when performing comedy, failing to milk the maximum laughter from the audience.
- 1987, New York Theatre Critics' Reviews (volume 48, page 121)
- "The timing is very different — at first I was speaking too quickly, stepping on the laughs," said Mr. Jillette. "So I'd wait, and I thought, my God, I'm turning into Shecky Greene here, standing and waiting for the laughs."
- 2011, Candice Bergen, Knock Wood (page 41)
- "Now remember, Candy," my father warned me sternly, "wait till it's quiet to say your lines. Don't step on the laughs."
- 2012, Diane Windingland, Cat Got Your Tongue? (page 42)
- Don't “step on the laughs” just because you are long on content and short on time.
- 1987, New York Theatre Critics' Reviews (volume 48, page 121)