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closing curtain

closing curtain

3.8
The final part of a show when the stage curtain goes down
  • noun
translation icon : telón de cierre
  • When the lights dimmed and the closing curtain fell, the audience knew the show had come to an end.

Examples

  • To just be in it till the closing curtain every night.

  • The audience erupted in applause as the actors took their final bow at the closing curtain.

  • At the closing curtain, the cast thanked everyone for their support throughout the performance.

Synonyms

closing
vsclosing curtain
305 2.3

The last part when something ends, for example a meeting

is the last part of a performance specifically marked by lowering the stage drape
close
vsclosing curtain
273 1.6

The end of an event, period, or activity

is the end when the stage drape is lowered to signal performance finish
finale
vsclosing curtain
180 3.6

The last, most exciting part of a show or event

is the last part but not necessarily the most exciting or dramatic moment
final curtain
vsclosing curtain
3 4.6

The end of a performance, especially a play or show

is specifically the last part marked by lowering the stage drape
finis
vsclosing curtain
  • Archaic
3 9.9

A word used to show the formal end of a book, film or performance

is the last part of a performance usually signalled by lowering the stage drape
curtain fall
vsclosing curtain
1 6.0

A moment when a play or show ends and the curtain comes down

has identical meaning but is a different phrase often used in theatre

Antonyms

An opening performance of a play or show

How Final

finale
180 3.6
closing curtain
3.8
end
1.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

closing + curtain

The phrase is compositionally transparent: 'closing' (final/concluding) modifies 'curtain' (the stage cloth), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to the curtain at the end of a performance and thus the final part. This is a literal, cross-linguistically common concept (stage curtain marking the end), so the meaning is immediately derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Closing curtain comes from the theatre: at the end of a show the heavy curtain is pulled shut to signal the end of the performance. So, 'closing curtain' means the final part of a performance or the moment it ends.