roll in the aisles

1. Laugh very hard, as in The comedian's new book had them rolling in the aisles. This hyperbolic idiom alludes to a performance that causes an audience to laugh so hard that they might well roll about in the theater's aisles. [First half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

Comedian Dave Chappelle is no conservative, but lately he’s finding his politically incorrect brand of humor is not making some liberals roll in the aisles laughing, while conservative culture observers are cheering him.

From Washington Times

Its script hasn’t a morsel of genuine wit, but Bond fans, who are preconditioned to roll in the aisles when their hero merely asks a waiter to bring some beluga caviar and Dom Pérignon ’55, will probably never notice.”

From Time

Its script hasn't a morsel of genuine wit, but Bond fans, who are preconditioned to roll in the aisles when their hero merely asks a waiter to bring some beluga caviar and Dom P�rignon '55, will probably never notice.

From Time Magazine Archive

Theatregoers may not roll in the aisles when lanky Ray Bolger impersonates a window dresser retiring for the night, or when squalling, grimacing Bert Lahr is bilked by a stockbroker.

From Time Magazine Archive

Related Words

• chuckle 
• giggle 
• grin 
• howl 
• roar 
• scream 
• shriek 
• snicker 
• snort 
• whoop