tickle the ivories

Definition

To play a piano or other keyboard instrument.

Etymology

From tickle (“to touch (something) lightly”) + the + ivories (“(informal) keys of a piano or other keyboard instrument”) (from the fact that such keys used to be made from ivory).

Example Sentences

• "[…] Charles Jarvis, the Philadelphia pianist, […] tickled the ivories with old time unction and gave some of the audience the impression that Philadelphia was really a musical city."
• "In music the Company now stands very high. Our singing strength surpasses anything known in the history of the command. It was feared that there would be no one to spar with the piano when Charley Moran left us, but you just ought to see the Leussen brothers tickle the ivories."
• "I don't think your musical friend is much on the grub-box. Has to keep her hands white to tickle the ivories."