final curtain

English

Pronunciation

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Noun

final curtain (plural final curtains)

1. (theater) The last time the curtain is lowered, after a performance and any curtain calls.

   Antonym: curtain-raiser

2. (figuratively) The end to something that has lasted for a long time.

   We're coming down to the final curtain of this whole palaver.

   • 2020 May 20, John Crosse, “Soon to be gone... but never forgotten”, in Rail, page 60:

     Love them or loathe them, Pacers have been part of the railway scene for over 40 years.
     Their demise has been promised for a while, but in 2020 the final curtain will be drawn for network operation of these units - although no doubt some will continue to be 'enjoyed' on heritage lines for many years to come.

Related terms

• bring down the curtain
• curtains
• curtain time

Translations

(theatre) the last time the curtain is lowered

• Finnish: esiripun laskeminen
• French: rideau de fin m