play in Peoria

The idiomatic sense is reported to have originated in vaudeville performances in the early 1900s.

• "We must constantly ask ourselves whether our analysis will play in Peoria."
• "Mr. Baker persuaded his boss that this pocketbook explanation of war aims, despite its negative reception with opinion leaders, would play in Peoria."
• "Will black-lace-trimmed purple panties play in Peoria? Why not? Cool is the common denominator of teens everywhere."
• "Cruz was not speaking of Jews. . . . He was talking about liberals and liberalism of the kind that never, ever plays in Peoria."