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

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

From BBC

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.

From BBC

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.

From BBC

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.

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier, Manchester Thunder beat Surrey Storm 55-38 in the play-off match for third and fourth place, the curtain raiser to the Grand Final.

From BBC

Related Words

• lead-in
• warmup