The phrase "rolling the aisles" is spelled using the phonetic transcription: /ˈrəʊlɪŋ ðeɪ ˈaɪlz/. The word "rolling" is pronounced with a stress on the first syllable, /ˈrəʊlɪŋ/, and the vowel sound in the second syllable is represented by the IPA symbol /ɪ/. "The" is pronounced with a schwa sound /ðə/, and "aisles" is pronounced with the vowel sound represented by the IPA symbol /aɪl/. This phrase is used to describe an audience's reaction to a comical or entertaining event, where they laugh uncontrollably and roll on the floor.
The idiom "rolling in the aisles" is commonly used to convey a state of uncontrollable laugher or extreme amusement. It refers to a situation where a person becomes so overwhelmed with laughter that they metaphorically roll on the floor with amusement, specifically within the context of a theater or a comedy show taking place in an auditorium with aisles for seating.
The phrase portrays a vivid image where the person's laughter becomes so intense and uninhibited that they are unable to remain seated or composed. It suggests that the humor or comedic elements presented are so hilarious, absurd, or unexpected that it elicits an overwhelming physical response. This idiom typically appears in casual conversations, reviews, or descriptions of comedic events, emphasizing the extent of the laughter provoked.
"Rolling in the aisles" is not to be taken literally, as it does not imply a literal physical act but rather serves as an exaggerated metaphor for an individual's excessive enjoyment. It often indicates that the person finds something extremely amusing, showcasing the ability of comedy to transcend the boundaries of ordinary humor and elevate it to a level that evokes an intense and prolonged emotional response.