grandstand play
Playing for applause
A grandstand play is an action performed primarily to impress onlookers rather than to accomplish something practical.
The term comes from baseball, where a fielder might make an easy catch look difficult to draw applause from the grandstand seats.
Now used broadly for any showy, attention-seeking maneuver: His resignation speech was pure grandstand play.
Ostentatious self-display
- theatricsExaggerated dramatic behavior
- hotdoggingFlashy, attention-seeking performance
- flashinessOstentatious showiness
- exhibitionismUrge to expose oneself
spectacle · flair · dramatics · swagger · bravado · flamboyance · panache · razzle-dazzle
Hazard taken deliberately
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- stratagemDeceptive plan for advantage
bold move · masterstroke · feint · bluff · manipulation · gamesmanship · positioning · one-upmanship
showboating
Ostentatious self-display
- theatricsExaggerated dramatic behavior
- hotdoggingFlashy, attention-seeking performance
- flashinessOstentatious showiness
exhibitionism · spectacle · flair · dramatics · swagger · bravado · flamboyance · panache · razzle-dazzle · pizzazz
calculated risk
Hazard taken deliberately
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
stratagem · bold move · masterstroke · feint · bluff · manipulation · gamesmanship · positioning · one-upmanship · publicity stunt
grandstand playteam play
Coordinated group effort
supporting role · flying under the radar · grunt work · taking one for the team
grand, stand, grandstand, grandstanding, grandstander, grander, grandest, grandly, grandness