citronella circuit en · NOUN
Etymology
Coinage attributed to the actress Tallulah Bankhead. Citronella is an insect repellent that one might expect to use outdoors in summer.
Meanings
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(informal) The round of summer stock theater performances.
We don't mean just the usual fare of summer stock offerings, although it is certainly pleasant to see a recent Broadway hit or view a tryout for the Big Time on the so-called citronella circuit.
1972, Travel, volumes 137-138, page 12:They either starve, take up smuggling or invade the citronella circuit in a beat-up revival.
1951, LIFE, volume 30, number 26, page 94: