to show expressions or emotions more obviously than is realistic.

Here's a picture of Philip hamming it up for grandma when he was only three.

Usage notes: usually said about expressions made to amuse others

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of ham (= an actor who performs with very obvious emotions and expressions)

• have pegged
• have pick of
• have pick of something
• have pins and needles
• have pity on
• have pity on someone
• have pride of place
• have rolling in the aisles
• have second thoughts
• have seen better days
• have seen more something than has had hot dinners
• have seen more something than someone has had hot dinners
• have seen more than has had hot dinners
• have seen more than someone has had hot dinners
• have seen the last of
• have seen the last of someone
• have seen the last of something
• have several strings to bow
• have several strings to your bow
• have share of
• have share of something
• have shit for brains
• have sights set on
• have sights set on doing something
• have sights set on something