play in Peoria

Idioms  

1. Be acceptable to the average consumer or constituent. For example, We've tested this new soup in several markets, but will it play in Peoria? This expression originated among touring theater companies trying to make sure their productions would win favor in America's heartland, symbolized by the small city of Peoria, Illinois.

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Example Sentences

Fast talking, however, won’t play in Peoria, Illinois, which came in as the slowest-speaking city at 4.71 syllables per second.

From Washington Times • Jan. 25, 2023

Which raises the question: How does this dinner play in Peoria?

From Washington Post • Apr. 28, 2022

As shows like “Hill Street Blues” and, later, “Twin Peaks” began to elevate the medium of TV, the word helped signify the stuff that would play in Peoria.

From New York Times • Jan. 8, 2019

A sure hit in Boston, but will it play in Peoria?

From Salon • Jan. 8, 2010

At the very least, that stand is a refreshing change from having every issue judged by the Nixon Administration's immortal criterion: How will it play in Peoria?

From Time Magazine Archive