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curtain raiser

noun

a short play preceding a main play.
any preliminary event or performance.

curtain-raiser

noun

theatre a short dramatic piece presented before the main play
any preliminary event
the debate was a curtain-raiser to the election

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Word History and Origins

Origin of curtain raiser¹

First recorded in 1885–90

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Idioms and Phrases

Preliminary event, as in This limited attack on the chairman is just a curtain raiser for the concerted effort to oust him. This term literally refers to a short play or skit presented before the main theatrical production. It began to be transferred to other preliminaries about 1940.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

This year's Earthshot is being viewed as the curtain raiser to COP which is due to begin a few days later in Belém, the gateway to the Amazon.

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It was a personal and at times touching five minute curtain raiser for the main event.

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A jam-packed opening day will feature all the teams in action, with last season's surprise package Aston Villa hosting runners-up Manchester United in the curtain raiser, which will be live on the BBC.

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The Women's Super League returns for the 2023-24 season on Sunday, with Aston Villa hosting Manchester United in the curtain raiser at Villa Park.

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As a wistfully ebullient orchestral curtain raiser, and one over in a flash, “Cool Cat” is well equipped to have a life of its own in various concert settings.

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Related Words

lead-in��
warmup��

curtain line curtains

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