Chew the scenery

Definitions

• Overact or exaggerate in a performance or situation
  Used in a theatrical context, to describe a performance that is overly dramatic and over-the-top, often to the point of being comical or unbelievable.

• Be overly dramatic or excessive in one's behavior or actions
  Can be used in a non-theatrical context to describe someone who is being overly dramatic or excessive in their behavior, often for attention or to make a point.

Examples of Chew the scenery

• The actor really chewed the scenery in that scene.

  This idiom is used to describe a performer who overacts or draws too much attention to themselves, essentially stealing the scene from the other actors. It's as if they're chewing up the scenery around them with their exaggerated performance.

• The politician chewed the scenery during the debate, making grand gestures and speaking loudly to try and impress the audience.

  In this example, the politician is using their performance to try and win over the audience, just as an actor might use their performance to stand out in a scene. However, in this case, the politician's overacting is distracting and takes away from the seriousness of the debate.

• The comedian chewed the scenery during the stand-up routine, making outrageous facial expressions and gestures to get the audience laughing.

  In this example, the comedian is using their performance to entertain the audience, just as an actor might use their performance to convey a character's emotions. However, in this case, the comedian's overacting is part of the act, and is meant to be humorous and exaggerated.

• The salesperson chewed the scenery during the presentation, using flashy visuals and grandiose language to try and sell the product.

  In this example, the salesperson is using their performance to try and convince the audience to buy the product, just as an actor might use their performance to convey a character's emotions. However, in this case, the salesperson's overacting is meant to be persuasive and impressive, rather than entertaining or humorous.

• The teacher chewed the scenery during the lesson, using exaggerated hand gestures and facial expressions to try and engage the students.

  In this example, the teacher is using their performance to try and make the lesson more interesting and engaging for the students, just as an actor might use their performance to convey a character's emotions. However, in this case, the teacher's overacting is meant to be helpful and supportive, rather than distracting or overpowering.

Conclusion

Overall, the idiom "chew the scenery" refers to someone who is being overly dramatic or exaggerated in their actions or performance. It can be used in both a theatrical and non-theatrical sense, and often carries a negative connotation.

Origin of "Chew the scenery"

The origin of this idiom is believed to come from the world of theater. In the early days of theater, sets were often made of painted canvas, and actors would sometimes accidentally tear or damage the scenery with their exaggerated movements. This would result in the actor literally "chewing" or destroying the scenery.

Over time, the phrase evolved to refer to actors who were overacting or being overly dramatic on stage, often to the point of damaging the scenery. It has since expanded to be used in everyday language to describe anyone who is being excessively dramatic or exaggerated in their behavior.