Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
ham-it-up
verb (phrasal verb)
/hæm ɪt ʌp/
Definition
To exaggerate or overact in a performance or situation in order to impress or entertain others.
Examples
- During the school play, she really hammed it up, making every audience member laugh.
- He likes to ham it up at family gatherings, always cracking jokes and doing silly impressions.
Meaning
When someone hams it up, they perform in a way that is overly dramatic or cheesy, often for comedic effect.
Synonyms
- overact
- exaggerate
- play to the crowd
- overemphasize
