PhrasesHub

Ring down the curtain

    Definitions

      • bring something to an end
        To signal the conclusion or ending of something, such as a performance, event, or period of time

    Examples of Ring down the curtain

    • The long-running play received a standing ovation as the curtains finally closed, signalling the end of an era and ringing down the curtain on a cultural phenomenon that had captivated audiences for years.

      "Ring down the curtain" is a figurative expression used to describe the end of a significant event or performance, much like the literal closing of a theatre curtain. The phrase suggests a finality and closure, with the suggestion that whatever is being ended is part of a tradition, prestigious, or well-known.

    • After years of controversy and debate, the government finally ended the contentious legislation that had divided the nation, ringing down the curtain on a long-standing issue that had polarized society.

      Using "ring down the curtain" to describe the end of a political issue illustrates how this idiom can also be used metaphorically to convey the conclusion of a contentious or complicated matter. The phrase implies that the issue has been resolved and the protracted debate surrounding it has come to a close.

    • Despite the team's best efforts, the game slipped away from them, and they were left to lament the loss as the final whistle signalled the closing of the match and the ringing down of the curtain on their chances of victory.

      "Ring down the curtain" can also be applied to the end of a sporting event, conveying the finality of the score and the end of an intense competition. The phrase highlights the dramatic quality of sports and the sense of closure that accompanies a decisive loss or victory.

    • After months of hospitalization, the patient's condition finally stabilized, and the doctors declared the end of their treatment, ringing down the curtain on a long and painful journey that had tested the limits of endurance and hope.

      In this example, "ring down the curtain" is used in a medical context, indicating the finish of a patient's treatment after a protracted period of illness. Here, the phrase helps to underscore the importance of closure, especially in regards to medical treatments or therapies that can cause significant emotional, physical, and psychological strain. The expression adds a sense of finality to the conclusion of the treatment that is often necessary to achieve a sense of closure and to allow the patient to move on.

    • After a long and successful career in Hollywood, Audrey Hepburn gracefully rang down the curtain on her acting days.

      This idiom is used to describe a person's retirement or departure from a field or profession. It implies that the individual is bowing out with grace and dignity, much like the closing of a theater curtain after a performance. In this example, Audrey Hepburn's retirement from acting is being likened to the closing of the curtain on a performance, signifying the end of her illustrious career on the stage.

    • The team captain's impressive leadership skills had aided the team to victory for more than a decade. However, today we bid farewell to the veteran player as he rings down the curtain on his glittering career.

      Similar to the previous example, this idiom is used to describe someone's departure from an organization, position, or role. In this instance, it indicates the closing of an era or the end of a significant period of service in a particular position.

    • The company's board of directors unanimously voted to discontinue the product line, thereby ringing down the curtain on the brand.

      This idiom may also be used in the context of businesses or products. It signifies the closure of a business or the end of a product line. In this case, the idiom is used to illustrate the decision to terminate the product line.

    • As the clock struck midnight, the party came to an end, and the DJ signaled the final chords by ringing down the curtain.

      This idiom could also be used to describe the conclusion of an event or activity. In this instance, the idiom is being utilized to indicate that the party has come to an end, and the final notes of the music signify the closing of the event, much like the closing of a theater curtain.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "ring down the curtain" is used to indicate the ending of something, like a performance or event. It can also be used metaphorically to signify the conclusion of a period of time or a particular situation. The intention behind using this idiom is to bring something to an end, often in a formal or final manner. It is commonly used in the context of theater and entertainment, but can also be applied to various other situations where closure or conclusion is being emphasized.

    Origin of "Ring down the curtain"

    The origin of the idiom "ring down the curtain" can be traced back to the world of theater. In traditional theaters, a curtain was raised at the beginning of a performance and lowered at the end. The action of ringing a bell was often used to signal the lowering of the curtain and the end of the show. Over time, this literal act of ringing a bell to bring the curtain down became a metaphor for signaling the end of something. The idiom has since been adopted into everyday language to convey the idea of ending or concluding a particular event or period of time.

    An example of the idiom's origin can be seen in the historical practices of theaters, where the ringing of a bell or the pulling of a rope would physically bring the curtain down to signal the end of a performance. This literal action eventually evolved into a symbolic gesture, leading to the figurative use of the idiom "ring down the curtain" to indicate the end of something.