Bring down the house
Meaning: To give such an incredible performance that the audience goes absolutely wild.
When a performer 'brings down the house,' the audience response is so loud and enthusiastic that it feels like the building is shaking. It's the highest compliment for a live performer. The phrase can be applied to any presentation or speech that gets an overwhelming response.
Examples
- She brought down the house with that final song. 她用最后一首歌嗨翻了全场。Hizo vibrar la sala con aquella última canción.彼女はあの最後の曲で会場を沸かせた。그녀는 마지막 곡으로 관중을 열광시켰다.
- The comedian brought down the house — people were crying laughing. 那个喜剧演员把全场逗得炸了——大家都笑哭了。El cómico hizo temblar la sala — la gente lloraba de risa.あのコメディアンは会場を爆笑の渦に巻き込んだ——みんな笑い泣きしてた。그 코미디언이 공연장을 폭소의 도가니로 만들었어 — 다들 눈물 흘리며 웃었다.
- His keynote speech brought down the house at the conference. 他的主旨演讲在会场上引爆了全场。Su discurso inaugural hizo vibrar la sala de la conferencia.彼の基調講演はカンファレンスの会場を沸かせた。그의 기조연설은 컨퍼런스 회장을 열광시켰다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: performances, speeches, comedy, concerts
Tone: admiring, emphatic
✓ Do Say
- She brought down the house.她嗨翻了全场。Hizo vibrar la sala entera.彼女は会場を沸かせたよ。그녀가 관중을 열광시켰어.
- That act brought the house down.那个节目嗨翻了全场。Esa actuación hizo temblar la sala.あの演目は会場を大いに盛り上げた。그 무대가 공연장을 들썩이게 했어.
✗ Don't Say
- Reserve for truly outstanding performances — not a polite golf clap要留给真正出色的表演——不是礼貌性的零星鼓掌Resérvalo para actuaciones realmente excepcionales — no para unos aplausos educados本当に素晴らしいパフォーマンスにだけ使うこと——控えめな拍手程度では使わない정말 뛰어난 공연에만 쓸 것 — 예의상 치는 가벼운 박수 정도에는 해당하지 않는다
Origin & History
From 18th-century theater, describing audiences so enthusiastic that the building seemed to shake with their applause and stomping. The metaphor has been in American English for over two centuries.
Cultural Context
Era: 18th century onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from Music & Entertainment
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free