Bums on seats
noun
This phrase refers to the number of people attending an event such as a movie, play, or sports game. It is sometimes used to emphasize that the quantity of attendees is more important than the quality of the event.
The film was not very good, but it successfully put a lot of bums on seats

Often appears as...
- put bums on seats
- need bums on seats
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
noun
This phrase refers to the number of people attending an event such as a movie, play, or sports game. It is sometimes used to emphasize that the quantity of attendees is more important than the quality of the event.
The film was not very good, but it successfully put a lot of bums on seats

Often appears as...
- put bums on seats
- need bums on seats
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1

Cultural Connotation
In the UK, 'bums on seats' can imply that profit or popularity is prioritized over quality or content.

The playwright was disheartened to discover the theatre only cared about getting more bums on seats.
Informal Usage
'Bums on seats' is an informal expression, so use it casually, not in formal writing or speech.

We need a big name to draw bums on seats for the fundraiser, not fancy speeches.
Success Measurement
The phrase often measures success in terms of attendance, not the event's intrinsic value.

Despite the mixed reviews, the festival sure got bums on seats.
Cultural Connotation
In the UK, 'bums on seats' can imply that profit or popularity is prioritized over quality or content.

The playwright was disheartened to discover the theatre only cared about getting more bums on seats.
Informal Usage
'Bums on seats' is an informal expression, so use it casually, not in formal writing or speech.

We need a big name to draw bums on seats for the fundraiser, not fancy speeches.
Success Measurement
The phrase often measures success in terms of attendance, not the event's intrinsic value.

Despite the mixed reviews, the festival sure got bums on seats.
Cultural Connotation
In the UK, 'bums on seats' can imply that profit or popularity is prioritized over quality or content.

The playwright was disheartened to discover the theatre only cared about getting more bums on seats.
Informal Usage
'Bums on seats' is an informal expression, so use it casually, not in formal writing or speech.

We need a big name to draw bums on seats for the fundraiser, not fancy speeches.
Success Measurement
The phrase often measures success in terms of attendance, not the event's intrinsic value.

Despite the mixed reviews, the festival sure got bums on seats.
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