play for laughs

Idioms  

1. see play for, def. 1.

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Example Sentences

Could the “Till Eulenspiegel” play for laughs a touch more?

From New York Times

Her prose doesn’t play for laughs, but humor stems from Bushnell’s pithy matter-of-factness.

From New York Times

It can play for laughs — a high school, pre-mustache Minshew chomping on peanut butter while watching his pals play baseball.

From Washington Post

We see her taking the bus home one afternoon, and then falling afoul of a freak accident, which Soderbergh has the nerve to play for laughs.

From The New Yorker

The latter version of the character is easier to play for laughs, and maybe “Kidding” feels it needs all of those it can get.

From New York Times