bring down the curtain (on something)

(redirected from bring down the curtain on something)

bring down the curtain (on something)

1. To bring a performance or act of a play to an end by lowering the theater curtain. The audience gave the performance a standing ovation as the theater brought down the curtain. The shocking twist at the end of the second act left the audience in stunned silence as the curtain was brought down.

2. To bring about or signal the end of something. The company announced that it will bring down the curtain after nearly 50 years of business. The government is bringing down the curtain on the controversial program next month.

bring down the curtain

(on something) Go to ring down the curtain (on something).

bring the curtain down on something

bring down the curtain on something

COMMON If an event brings the curtain down on something that has lasted a long time, it causes or marks its end. His death brings the curtain down on one of the most amazing managerial careers of all-time. Today's simple but moving ceremonies bring down the curtain on a long and historic period in history. Note: You can also say the curtain comes down on something. As the curtain comes down on the festive season, we reflect on some of the highlights. Note: In theatres, it is traditional for a curtain to come down in front of the stage at the end of each act and at the end of the play.

See also: bring, curtain, down, on, something

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

bring down the curtain on

bring to an end.

The curtain referred to is the one lowered at the front of the stage in a theatre at the end of a performance.

bring/ring down the ˈcurtain (on something)

bring/ring the ˈcurtain down (on something)

bring an end to something: The BBC has finally decided to bring the curtain down on one of its oldest television programmes.