• ИГРАТЬ <РАБОТАТЬ coll> НА ПУБЛИКУ{{}}
[VP; subj: human]
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⇒ to behave consciously in an unnatural or not entirely appropriate manner in order to make a certain impression on those observing:
- X играл на публику{{}}≈ X played to his (an) audience;
- X kept (had) one eye on the gallery;
- X put on a show (for s.o.).
Большой русско-английский фразеологический словарь. — М.: ACT-ПРЕСС КНИГА. С.И. Лубенская. 2004.