- "Tickling the ivories" is a colloquial expression referring to playing the piano skillfully and with finesse. This playful phrase conveys a sense of delight and mastery associated with the art of piano playing.
In this sentence, "tickling the ivories" is a metaphorical expression referring to the pianist skillfully and masterfully playing the piano keys. It conveys a sense of artistry and finesse in creating the elegant melody that captivates the audience.
When to use "tickling the ivories"
"Tickling the ivories" is a charming and metaphorical phrase associated with playing the piano. It is apt for use in various contexts:
Musical Performances:
Use the phrase when describing or praising a piano performance, whether in a concert, recital, or casual setting.
- Example: The pianist wowed the audience, skillfully tickling the ivories with a beautiful rendition of the classic piece.
Creative Arts and Expression:
Apply the phrase metaphorically in discussions about artistic pursuits, be it writing, painting, or any form of creative expression.
- Example: The poet spent the afternoon tickling the ivories of language, crafting verses that resonated with deep emotion.
Casual Conversations:
Infuse a playful and whimsical tone in casual conversations when referring to someone playing the piano or showcasing a skill.
- Example: My friend spent the weekend tickling the ivories, composing a catchy tune that got stuck in my head.
Online and Social Media:
Utilize the phrase in captions, hashtags, or posts related to musical accomplishments, creative endeavors, or moments of skillful execution.
- Example: Just spent the evening tickling the ivories of my guitar, creating a melody that echoes through the night.
Entertainment and Arts Reviews:
Incorporate the phrase when writing or discussing reviews of musical performances, movies, or other entertainment where piano playing is featured.
- Example: The film's soundtrack was elevated by a scene where the protagonist was seen tickling the ivories with extraordinary finesse.
More example sentences
- At the elegant soiree, the accomplished pianist took center stage, tickling the ivories with a mesmerizing blend of classical and contemporary tunes.
- In the cozy jazz club, the pianist showcased versatility, skillfully tickling the ivories to create an atmosphere of sultry and soulful melodies.
- As the rain tapped against the window, she found solace in tickling the ivories, creating a soothing melody that echoed through the quiet evening.
- The music room came alive as the young prodigy delighted the audience, confidently tickling the ivories and earning a standing ovation for the heartfelt performance.
- In the bustling subway station, a street musician enchanted commuters by skillfully tickling the ivories, turning the mundane surroundings into a brief musical respite.
Examples from the web
"Tickling the ivories and offering ongoing narrative in the form of telltale patter and heart-rending blues is Daniel Marcus." - The New York Times
"He enjoys 'tickling the ivories' on his baby grand piano in the "dead of night" when he has insomnia, according to a news source called Comtex." - The New York Times
"Ivory and pianos were once so inseparable that pianists were said to be 'tickling the ivories'." - Huffington Post
Usage of tickling the ivories
Examining the graph below, we can see that the phrase "tickling the ivories" had two peaks: one in 1920s, and the other after the 2000s. The use of the idiom is currently increasing.
Synonyms/Related Phrases
- Playing the Piano: A straightforward and commonly used synonym for "tickling the ivories."
- Tinkling the Keys: An expressive phrase, particularly emphasizing the sound produced by the piano keys.
- Piano Artistry: Referring to the skill and artful expression associated with playing the piano.
- Keying the Piano: A more technical way of describing the action of playing the piano keys.
- Creating Melodies: Emphasizes the act of producing musical compositions through piano playing.
FAQ
Is it tinkling the ivories or tickling the ivories?
The correct phrase is "tickling the ivories." This charming expression refers to skillfully playing the piano keys. "Tinkling the ivories" is a variant but less common. Both convey the delightful act of creating music on the piano, with "tickling" being the more widely recognized term.
What does tickle their fancies mean?
"To tickle their fancies" is an idiomatic expression that means to appeal to someone's interests or preferences, bringing them pleasure or satisfaction. It suggests the act of capturing someone's attention or satisfying their desires by providing something enjoyable, interesting, or delightful.
Summary
Whether used to describe the art of piano playing or as a metaphor for skillful expression in diverse fields, this delightful phrase continues to enchant and add a harmonious touch to our language and conversations.
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