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What is a group or person called who "brings the house down" or "can bring the house down"?

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Bring the house down – Matt Эллен Nov 5 '12 at 10:44

closed as general reference by Matt Эллен, kiamlaluno, Zairja, Mahnax, RegDwighт♦ Nov 5 '12 at 16:22

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The Oxford English Dictionary’s definition is ‘to evoke such demonstrative applause as threatens or suggests the downfall of the building.’

I have always supposed it to be derived from the music hall, where a particularly good act might, with a little exaggeration, bring about such an event. It may now be found in wider contexts.

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As for the person, in that meaning, that would be the Star. – SF. Nov 5 '12 at 9:39
In regard to your "wider contexts" remark, I believe this phrase can also refer to a comedian who gives an especially funny performance; i.e.: He brought the house down with laughter. – J.R. Nov 5 '12 at 9:42
@J.R. Yes, that's what I meant. – Barrie England Nov 5 '12 at 10:12
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If you mean the company, contractor or person that demolishes your old house or building, then use demolisher or demolition guy(s), demolition contractor, etc.

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Very unlikely that a question tagged "idiom" was looking for a literal meaning of the phrase – mplungjan Nov 5 '12 at 13:00

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