tickle (redirected from tickles)

be tickled pink/to death (old-fashioned)

to be extremely pleased about something. Val was tickled pink when Susan asked her to be bridesmaid at her wedding.

See also: death, pink

slap and tickle (mainly British, old-fashioned, humorous)

sexual activity that is not serious. They were having a bit of slap and tickle on the sofa when I walked in.

See also: slap

take/tickle someone's fancy (informal)

if something takes someone's fancy, they suddenly think it seems interesting. She's got enough money to buy whatever takes her fancy.

See also: fancy, take

tickle/tinkle the ivories (humorous)

to play the piano. Grandma could tickle the ivories like a professional.

See also: ivory, tinkle

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tickle the ivories

to play the piano. She writes and produces her own music, and also tickles the ivories on her new album.

Usage notes: usually refers to playing the piano informally rather than in a concert

Etymology: from the literal meaning of ivories (= piano keys)

See also: ivory

tickled to death

very pleased. We were tickled to death that she finally got the Tony award for best actress.

See also: death