Curtain call
Meaning
The final appearance of performers at the end of a show to receive applause from the audience.
Origin
Imagine the roar of a 19th-century theatre, the final notes fading, the curtain falling, and then, the clamor begins. The audience, thrilled and enchanted, pounds their hands together, stomping their feet, shouting for more. This wasn't just applause; it was a demand—a 'call' for the 'curtain' to rise again, revealing the performers one last time to receive their adulation. It was a moment of direct communion between artist and admirer, a ritual that cemented the bond forged during the performance, solidifying its place in theatrical tradition and beyond.
Examples
- After the dazzling performance, the entire cast returned for a triumphant curtain call, bowing to thunderous applause.
- The departing CEO made one last curtain call at the annual meeting, thanking everyone for their years of support before stepping down.