Enter a clue or pattern or both:
The Clue
Hardly be deadpan (5 letter answer)
The Answer
EMOTE
Tags
Notes
The answer EMOTE is seen frequently, appearing about once every 60 puzzles.
Related Clues
Gush
Mug
Overact
Act with a capital A
Act the ham
Act to the hilt
Act unprofessionally
Chew the scenery
Gush feeling
Overplay onstage
Overplay a scene
Play to the balcony
Put on an act
Show feeling
Wax theatrical
Become maudlin onstage
Chew up the set
Do a part poorly
Get all histrionic
Go overboard, in a way
Ham it up
Overdo it, in a way
Play the Old Vic
Rage, e.g., onstage
Say it with feeling
Tear a passion to tatters
What hams do
Get carried away in Hollywood
Serve up some ham?
Play a role none too subtly
Definition
EMOTE as a verb:
1. give expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role