curtains
B1Neutral; common in everyday, domestic, and theatrical contexts.
Definition
Meaning
Pieces of fabric hung to cover a window or opening, often for privacy, light control, or decoration.
Can refer metaphorically to an ending, failure, or death (slang: 'it's curtains for...'); also used in theater for the large drape separating stage from audience.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a count noun (plural form most common). Singular 'curtain' refers to one piece or the concept. The metaphorical slang use is informal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. UK may use 'net curtain' for sheer inner curtain; US 'sheer curtain'. 'Drapes' is more common in US for heavy formal curtains, but 'curtains' is universal.
Connotations
Both neutral. Theatrical term 'curtain call' is standard in both.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK domestic contexts; 'drapes' is a viable US alternative for specific types.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + curtains: draw/open/close/hang/choose curtainsADJ + curtains: heavy/lace/thermal/threadbare curtainsPREP + curtains: behind/between/through the curtainsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “curtain call (theatre)”
- “it's curtains (for someone/something) - an end/failure”
- “behind the curtain - hidden/secret”
- “iron curtain (historical/political)”
- “bring down the curtain on - to end something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in hospitality (hotel curtains) or manufacturing.
Academic
In literature (symbolism of concealment/revelation), theatre studies, interior design history.
Everyday
Extremely common for home furnishings, light and privacy management.
Technical
In theatre (fly system, fire-retardant fabrics), interior design (measurements, fabrics, headings).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They curtained off the alcove to create a dressing room.
American English
- The falling snow curtained the view of the mountains.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adverb.
adjective
British English
- She bought a lovely curtain fabric for the sewing project.
American English
- The curtain rod needs to be mounted higher.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I close the curtains at night.
- The curtains in my room are blue.
- Could you draw the curtains? The sun is too bright.
- We need to buy new curtains for the living room.
- The heavy velvet curtains effectively blocked out all traffic noise.
- As the curtains rose, the audience fell silent.
- The scandal drew back the curtains on the corruption within the institution.
- His injury brought the curtain down prematurely on a brilliant sporting career.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Certain' things need 'curtains' for privacy. The 'tain' sounds like 'tain' in 'mountain' – a fabric mountain covering the window.
Conceptual Metaphor
CURTAINS ARE A BARRIER (between inside/outside, public/private, reality/illusion). ENDINGS ARE CLOSING CURTAINS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: 'штора' (shtora) is the direct equivalent. No trap, but note plural 'curtains' is standard for a pair/window.
Common Mistakes
- Using singular 'curtain' for a pair (needs 'a curtain' or 'a pair of curtains'). Using 'blinds' interchangeably (blinds have slats). Incorrect preposition: 'on the window' vs 'at the window'.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'it's curtains' primarily express?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically yes when referring to the objects covering a window. The singular 'curtain' is used for one piece of fabric or the concept.
'Drapes' (more US) often implies heavier, lined, formal curtains. 'Curtains' is the broader, more universal term.
Yes, but it's less common. It means to provide or cover with curtains, or to hang like a curtain (e.g., 'fog curtained the valley').
It's the appearance of performers on stage after a play to receive applause from the audience.