curtain-raiser
Definition
- Noun:
- A short introductory performance: "curtain-raiser" refers to a brief theatrical piece, such as a play or act, performed before the main performance.
- A preliminary event: In a broader sense, it can mean any small event or activity that precedes and introduces a larger, more important one.
Usage Examples
- Theatrical sense:
- The one-act comedy served as a curtain-raiser for the evening’s main drama. (A short play performed before the principal production.)
- Figurative sense:
- The local band’s concert was a curtain-raiser for the international music festival. (A smaller introductory event leading to a major one.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be a curtain-raiser for [something]": to act as an introduction or preliminary stage.
- The debate was a curtain-raiser for the election campaign. (The debate set the stage for the larger political effort.)
Variants and Related Words
- Curtain (n): a piece of fabric used to cover a stage or window.
- The curtain rose to reveal the set. (The stage curtain was lifted.)
- Raiser (n): one that lifts or elevates; in this compound, it refers to the act of raising the curtain.
Synonyms
- Preliminary: something that comes before and prepares for the main event.
- Opener: a short performance or event that starts a program.
- Warm-up: an activity done to prepare for a main event.
Related Idioms
- Raise the curtain: to begin a performance or event.
- The director raised the curtain on the new season. (The director started the season.)
- Bring down the curtain: to end a performance or event.
- The final song brought down the curtain on the show. (The song concluded the performance.)