Definition

1. Noun:
   • A short play presented before the main play: A brief theatrical performance that serves as an opening act for a longer, main production.
   • Any preliminary activity: An event or action that serves as an introduction or warm-up to a more significant, main event.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The theater company performed a witty curtain raiser before the Shakespearean tragedy.
  • The keynote speaker's short talk was just a curtain raiser for the main conference discussions.

Advanced Usage

• Used metaphorically: Often used to describe any initial event that sets the stage for something more important.
  • The minor skirmish was a mere curtain raiser to the full-scale war that followed.

Variants and Related Words

• Prelude (n): An action or event serving as an introduction.
• Overture (n): An introduction to something more substantial, often in music or events.
• Warm-up (n): A preliminary activity designed to prepare for the main event.

Synonyms

• Opening act
• Preliminary
• Forerunner
• Proem (formal)

Related Phrases

• To raise the curtain: To begin a performance or event.
  • The mayor's speech will raise the curtain on the new cultural festival.

Related Idioms

• A taste of things to come: Similar in meaning when referring to a preliminary event hinting at a larger one.
  • The successful product demo was a taste of things to come for the innovative startup.

Noun

1. a short play presented before the main play
2. any preliminary activity