step on the laughs

step on the laughs (third-person singular simple present steps on the laughs, present participle stepping on the laughs, simple past and past participle stepped on the laughs)

1. To tell jokes too rapidly when performing comedy, failing to milk the maximum laughter from the audience.
   • 1987, New York Theatre Critics' Reviews, volume 48, page 121:

     "The timing is very different — at first I was speaking too quickly, stepping on the laughs," said Mr. Jillette. "So I'd wait, and I thought, my God, I'm turning into Shecky Greene here, standing and waiting for the laughs."

   • 2011, Candice Bergen, Knock Wood, page 41:

     "Now remember, Candy," my father warned me sternly, "wait till it's quiet to say your lines. Don't step on the laughs."

   • 2012, Diane Windingland, Cat Got Your Tongue?, page 42:

     Don't “step on the laughs” just because you are long on content and short on time.