bring down the house

phrase

variants or bring the house down

: to win the enthusiastic approval of the audience

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of bring down the house was in 1771

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bring down the curtain on

bring down the house

bring forth

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Style

“Bring down the house.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bring%20down%20the%20house. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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bring down the house

phrase

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