curtain raiser

noun

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

curtain-raiser

noun

1. theatre a short dramatic piece presented before the main play
2. any preliminary event

   the debate was a curtain-raiser to the election

Word History and Origins

Origin of curtain raiser¹

First recorded in 1885–90

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.

Example Sentences

Well, I've got an old curtain-raiser here, but it doesn't seem to fit in somehow.

From Project Gutenberg

"I'll admit that the axe work was good as a curtain raiser," remarked Tom.

From Project Gutenberg

This short curtain raiser being over, the first act of the drama began.

From Project Gutenberg

It is my opinion that your part in the affair is only a curtain-raiser to graver things.

From Project Gutenberg

They had made, Ted Hunter announced, a very short mystery reel which they would now run as a curtain-raiser to the main event.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• lead-in
• warmup