play something for laughs

play for laughs

To do, act, or perform with the express intention of being funny; to do something for comedic effect. A noun or pronoun can be used between "play" and "for laughs." I do like getting dramatic roles, but if I'm honest, I prefer playing for laughs when I act. While many took offense at the rather unsavory theater piece, I can't help feeling like the whole thing was, at heart, being played for laughs. I wish he hadn't played the role for laughs, since there was the potential for some real dramatic weight in his performance.
See also: laugh, play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

play something for laughs

(of a performer) try to arouse laughter in an audience, especially in inappropriate circumstances.
See also: laugh, play, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • involve with
  • involve with (someone or something)
  • involved with
  • arrange for
  • arrange for some time
  • arrange some music for
  • back into
  • back into (someone or something)
  • add in
  • angle