curtain line
C1Formal, Technical (Theatre/Literature)
Definition
Meaning
The final line spoken by an actor in a play, especially the last line before the curtain falls or a scene ends.
The conclusion of a significant event or phase; a memorable final remark in any context; in theatre, a line positioned at the actual opening in a curtain.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrase operates on two distinct but related levels: 1) A theatrical term for a specific type of line. 2) By metaphorical extension, any concluding or pivotal final remark.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both dialects within theatre. The metaphorical use is slightly more established in British cultural and literary criticism.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of finality, dramatic punctuation, or a clever, memorable conclusion.
Frequency
Low frequency in general use; common within professional theatre and drama criticism in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Actor/Play] + [has/delivers] + a/the + [adjective] + curtain lineThe curtain line + [is/comes] + [adverbial phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To drop the curtain line”
- “To have the curtain line”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Metaphorically: 'The CEO's resignation email provided a shocking curtain line to the merger saga.'
Academic
Used in drama, literature, and performance studies departments.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used by theatre enthusiasts discussing a play.
Technical
Standard term in theatre scripts, rehearsals, and direction. Also refers to the physical marked line on a stage for curtain placement.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She absolutely curtain-lined that scene with perfect timing.
- The actor needs to curtain-line more decisively.
American English
- He totally curtain-lined the act with that zinger.
- You have to curtain-line with more conviction.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The actor forgot the curtain line, so the scene ended awkwardly.
- The playwright crafted a witty curtain line that left the audience laughing as the lights went down.
- His angry outburst served as the curtain line to their disastrous meeting.
- The production's brilliance was encapsulated in the devastatingly simple curtain line of the second act.
- Many critics have analysed the political resonance of the protagonist's final curtain line.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a stage CURTAIN falling immediately after the final LINE is spoken. The line 'calls' the curtain down.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONCLUSIONS ARE THEATRICAL CLOSINGS; A FINAL REMARK IS A CURTAIN FALL.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating literally as "линия занавеса" for the theatrical term; use "финальная реплика" or "уходная реплика". The physical 'curtain line' on stage can be "линия занавеса".
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'curtain line' with 'curtain call' (when actors bow).
- Using it to mean any important line in a play, rather than the *final* line of a scene/act.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'curtain line' used most precisely and literally?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word compound noun, typically written as two separate words (an open compound).
Yes, in technical stagecraft, it can also refer to the physical line on the stage floor where the curtain falls or a line painted on a curtain itself.
It is primarily a theatre term. In film/TV, one would say 'final line' or 'closing line,' as there is no physical curtain.
All punchlines can be curtain lines if they end the scene, but not all curtain lines are punchlines. A curtain line can be serious, poignant, or dramatic, not just humorous.