cheat out
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
When an actor secretly turns a little bit toward the audience so they can be seen better, even though they are supposed to be looking at another actor.
Literal meaning: To subtly 'cheat' (shift) one's position 'out' toward the front of the stage.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
neutral
In theatre or film, to turn one's body or face subtly toward the audience or camera without breaking the illusion of a scene.
"The director reminded the cast to cheat out whenever they delivered important lines."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Primarily a technical theatre and stage-direction term. Rarely used outside of performing arts contexts. Sometimes phrased as 'cheat out to the audience.'
Commonly used with
audience stage actor camera scene
Forms
Base
cheat out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cheats out
he/she/it
Past simple
cheated out
yesterday
Past participle
cheated out
have + pp
-ing form
cheating out
continuous
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