Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—P

Playing to the Gods

Degrading one's vocation ad captanduin vulgus. The gods, in theatrical phrase, are the spectators in the uppermost gallery, the ignobile vulgus. The ceiling of Drury Lane theatre was at one time painted in imitation of the sky, with Cupids and other deities here and there represented. As the gallery referred to was near the ceiling, the occupants were called the gods. In French this gallery is nick-named paradis.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Please the Pigs
Played Out
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

More on Playing to the Gods from Fact Monster:

  • Timothy Hutton - Timothy Hutton actor Born: 8/16/1960 Birthplace: Malibu, California Oscar-winning actor who won an ...
  • David Duchovny - David Duchovny actor Born: 8/7/1960 Birthplace: New York City Actor who plays FBI agent Fox Mulder, ...
  • The Sacco-Vanzetti Case - The Sacco-Vanzetti Case What does the evidence say? A poster by artist Ben Shan in the Library of ...
  • Sholem Asch - Asch, Sholem or Shalom Asch, Sholem or Shalom , 1880–1957, Jewish novelist and playwright, b. ...
  • 2009 Tony (Antoinette Perry) Awards - 2009 Tony (Antoinette Perry) Awards honoring distinguished achievement in Broadway theater.

Related Content