command performance

noun

1. a performance of a play, opera, ballet, or the like, given at the request of a sovereign or head of state.

command performance

noun

1. a performance of a play, opera, etc, at the request of a ruler or of royalty

Word History and Origins

Origin of command performance¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Idioms and Phrases

An occasion that one is obliged to attend, as in My boss's invitations to dinner are always a command performance . This term originally (late 1800s) denoted a theatrical or musical performance presented at the behest of a sovereign or head of state. By the 1930s it was also used figuratively for any more or less obligatory occasion or performance.

Example Sentences

Ledecky, who has never lost a world championship or Olympic final at 800 or 1,500 meters, also gave a command performance Wednesday, racing out to a body-length lead at 400 meters and adding to that advantage with each stroke.

From Los Angeles Times

The Steelers were dominant on defense Monday and there’s no reason to think they can’t have a command performance against the Raiders.

From Los Angeles Times

“Lee Zeldin’s command performance, despite coming up a little short, and quality candidates who really worked tirelessly in their districts, produced a great win for us,” Rep.-elect Marc Molinaro said.

From Washington Times

Even during a rote command performance, Morton can be droll and dry, noting that our heroine’s upbringing was “less Disney, more brothers Grimm” and that her gilded paternal bloodline included a dentist.

From New York Times

They were chauffeured around London by the Prince of Wales himself, pre-abdication, after a command performance for Edward and his not-yet-wife Wallis Simpson.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• world premiere