PhrasesHub

Tickle the ivories

    Definitions

      • playing the piano
        To play the piano, often used in a lighthearted or informal way

    Examples of Tickle the ivories

    • The pianist sat down at the grand piano and began to tickle the ivories, filling the room with a symphony of sound.

      In this example, "tickle the ivories" is used as a figurative expression to describe the act of playing the piano in a delicate and intricate manner, as if someone is tickling the keys softly. The "ivories" refer to the white keys of the piano, which are often made of ivory or a similar material. This idiom is commonly used to describe skilled and elegant piano playing.

    • The novice pianist nervously approached the piano, unsure how to tickle the ivories.

      In this example, "tickle the ivories" is used figuratively to describe the process of learning to play the piano, as if the person is trying to find the right touch and technique to make the keys resonate beautifully.

    • The jazz ensemble knew how to tickle the ivories, their fast-paced melodies filling the room with a frenzied energy.

      In this example, "tickle the ivories" is used to describe the style and technique of playing jazz piano, which often involves quick and intricate runs and flourishes over the keys. This idiom highlights the complexity and excitement of jazz piano playing.

    • The classical pianist delicately tickled the ivories, coaxing each note to life with a gentle touch.

      In this example, "tickle the ivories" is used to describe the sensitivity and delicacy required to play classical music on the piano, as if the pianist is lightly brushing the keys to produce a beautiful and melodious sound. This idiom highlights the skill and finesse required to play classical music on the piano.

    • Sarah was tickling the ivories as though she owned the piano.

      This idiom refers to playing the piano skillfully and with confidence. "Tickling the ivories" is a figurative expression that showcases one's proficiency and mastery over the piano keys, similar to how tickling is a delicate and sensitive touch brought to bear on something, in this case, the piano keys. Sarah's effortless and confident play on the piano makes it seem as though the piano keys belong to her, and she is in full control of them.

    • After years of practice, John could finally tickle the ivories with ease.

      This idiom highlights the ease and comfort of playing the piano once one has put in considerable effort and practice. "Tickling the ivories" implies that the task is now effortless and natural to the individual, as opposed to when one first started playing and struggled with the basic techniques. John's years of practice enabled him to acquire the skill of playing the piano with a fluidity and ease that is reminiscent of someone tickling the ivories with dexterity and comfort.

    • The proposer played the piano so smoothly that it seemed to be tickling the ivories on its own.

      This idiom connotes an extremely high level of skill and proficiency in playing the piano. It suggests that the notes played by the pianist were so seamless and effortless that it appeared as if the piano keys were being played by some external or unseen force. The proposer's mastery over the piano was so remarkable that it seemed as though the ivories were being tickled by another force altogether, making it an awe-inspiring display of musical prowess.

    • The sounds that emerged from the piano were not merely musical, but also soothing to the listener's ears, making them feel as though they were being tickled too.

      This idiom extends the tactile imagery associated with tickling to the aural spectrum. It implies that the sounds produced by the piano, when played by a skilled pianist, are not merely pleasant to listen to, but also soothing to the ears, just as tickling can be a gentle and calming touch for some people. The listener's response to the soothing music played by an accomplished pianist is akin to someone being tickled in a relaxed and tranquil manner, leading to feelings of contentment and ease.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "tickle the ivories" is used to refer to playing the piano. It is a playful and informal way to talk about this activity. It can be used in a casual conversation to express the action of playing the piano in a light-hearted manner.

    Origin of "Tickle the ivories"

    The origin of the idiom "tickle the ivories" comes from the association of piano keys with the material ivory, which was commonly used in the construction of piano keys in the past. The word "tickle" adds a playful and light-hearted element to the phrase, suggesting a gentle and enjoyable interaction with the piano keys. This idiom has been in use for many years and is still used today to refer to playing the piano in a whimsical way. For example, someone might say, "I love to tickle the ivories in my free time," as a casual way to mention their enjoyment of playing the piano.