drawing card

noun

1. a person who or thing that attracts attention or patrons.

drawing card

noun

1. theatre a performer, act, etc, certain to attract a large audience

Word History and Origins

Origin of drawing card¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Idioms and Phrases

A feature or event that attracts a large audience. For example, This Italian tenor is always a good drawing card. Card in this idiom refers to a large poster containing an advertisement for something, often some sort of entertainment. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

It took a long time to teach him what tricks he knows, and he's always been a big drawing card to my show.

From Project Gutenberg

She managed that easily enough, for she was becoming too great a drawing card for managers to curtly override her wishes.

From Project Gutenberg

They insisted I was a drawing card and they featured the appearance of a midget on the program.

From Project Gutenberg

Without following it, it may be said that it was a solid drawing card for two years without a sign of abated popularity.

From Project Gutenberg

I've heard that he has been known to come at peep of day when there's a Paderewski or a Melba for a drawing card.

From Project Gutenberg

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