tread the boards

Idioms and Phrases

Act on the stage, as in Her main ambition was to tread the boards in a big city . This idiom uses boards in the sense of “a theatrical stage,” a usage dating from the mid-1700s. It dates from the mid-1800s but was preceded by the idiom tread the stage , first recorded in 1691.

Example Sentences

At 83, he is eager to tread the boards once again — and to continue working as steadily as he has for the last six decades.

From Los Angeles Times

Antony Costa is swapping the boy band Blue to tread the boards while embracing his Greek heritage.

From BBC

Carr is also going to appear in the third season of Netflix's series The Witcher, and said: "I'm getting smaller roles, but in bigger things, since I won last year - but no theatre work. I'm desperate to tread the boards again."

From BBC

First-wave punk bands tread the boards still.

From New York Times

A half-century later, an organiser has been recalling how those who would go on to be among the world's most beloved comedy performers were lured to tread the boards.

From BBC