exit stage left
Theatrical departure instruction
Exit stage left means to leave or withdraw, often abruptly or to avoid an awkward situation.
The phrase comes from theatrical stage directions, where "stage left" is the actor's left when facing the audience.
In casual use, it signals a quick departure: When the argument started, I decided to exit stage left.
Sometimes used to describe someone's final departure from a role or position.
- escape routePlanned exit path
- get-outMeans of escape
- bow outVoluntarily leave a situation
- sortieArmed raid outward
- curtain callPost-show audience acknowledgment
fade away · disappearing act · sidestep · slip away · ghosting · Irish goodbye · make oneself scarce · duck out · evasion · take one's leave · exeunt · vanish into thin air · beat a retreat · retreat · disengage · dodge · stepping back · cutting ties
- dramatic exitsstorming out, storm off, door slam, walkout, walking out
- theaterplays, play, onstage, acting, auditorium
- goodbyesgoodbye, bye, bye-bye, see ya, byebye
exit stage leftmake an entrance
Arrive dramatically, memorably
enter the picture · take center stage · come out of nowhere · emerge · show up
exit, exits, exited, exiting, stage, stages, staged, staging, stager