tickle the ivories

Idioms  

1. Play the piano, as in He went on tickling the ivories until three in the morning. This expression alludes to a piano's keys, traditionally made of ivory. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

“Sing for Hope Pianos” The public is invited to tickle the ivories — no lessons required — with this initiative co-sponsored by the city of Beverly Hills and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

From Los Angeles Times

While he mainly played bass for the group, he'd also tickle the ivories and even sing lead on some tracks.

From Fox News

"You didn’t know I could tickle the ivories did you..."

From Fox News

A downtown street piano for the past several summers has allowed impromptu public performances by anyone who cares to tickle the ivories.

From Washington Times

The 65-year-old retired engineer, who endured surgery, went through extensive hand rehabilitation, and was fitted with prosthetic fingers so he could once again tickle the ivories, is doing it for two reasons, he said.

From Washington Times