Definition

1. Noun:
   • The concluding part of any performance: The "closing curtain" refers to the final segment or moment of a theatrical play, musical, or similar staged show, often literally marked by the lowering of the stage curtain. By extension, it can metaphorically describe the end of any event or series of actions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The actors took their bows during the closing curtain.
  • After the closing curtain, the audience gave a standing ovation.
  • The negotiations reached their closing curtain with the signing of the treaty.

Advanced Usage

• "to bring down the closing curtain on something": To cause something to end; to conclude an event or period.
  • The CEO's speech brought down the closing curtain on the annual conference.
• Metaphorical Use: Used to signify the definitive end of an era, project, or endeavor.
  • The sale of the family business was the closing curtain on a century of tradition.

Variants and Related Words

• Curtain call (n): The reappearance of performers at the end of a show to acknowledge applause.
• Finale (n): The last part of a piece of music, a performance, or a public event.
• Denouement (n): The final part of a play, story, or series of events where matters are explained or resolved.

Synonyms

• Conclusion: The end or finish of an event or process.
• Final act: The last section of a performance or sequence.
• Epilogue: A section or speech at the end of a book or play serving as a comment on or a conclusion to what has happened.

Related Phrases

• Ring down the curtain: To end a performance or, figuratively, to bring something to an end.
  • It's time to ring down the curtain on this failed experiment.
• Curtain falls: An expression indicating that an event has ended.
  • As the curtain fell on his career, he reflected on his achievements.

Related Idioms

• It's not over until the fat lady sings: This idiom means that one should not assume an outcome until the event is completely finished. It is conceptually related to the "closing curtain" as both refer to the definitive end of a performance.
  • We're behind, but remember, it's not over until the fat lady sings.

Noun

1. the concluding part of any performance