final curtain

The show's end

Final curtain is the end of a theatrical performance, when the curtain falls for the last time.

Figuratively, it means death or the conclusive end of something: The diagnosis felt like a final curtain.

The phrase carries theatrical gravity—an ending that's decisive and public rather than quiet.

death

passing

Moving by or temporary

expiration · mortality · obituary · rest · eternal sleep · crossing over · last act · swan song · quietus · last goodbye

closure

conclusion

End or deduction

wrap-up · finalization · termination · denouement · last chapter · sign-off · wind-down · finish · close

theater

closing night

Last scheduled performance

bow · encore · stage · footlights · proscenium · playwright · audience · dramaturgy · spotlight · backstage

farewell

goodbye

Departing salutation

leave-taking · send-off · last hurrah · adios · au revoir · sayonara · bon voyage · fare-thee-well · last words

Categories
Opposites
theatrical sequence

final curtainopening night

First staged performance

first act · overture · premiere · prologue · opening scene

life/death metaphor

final curtainbirth

Coming into the world

first breath · genesis · arrival · cradle · entrance

performance continuity

final curtainintermission

Scheduled performance pause

interval · entr'acte · pause · recess · halftime

Family

final, finally, curtain, curtains, finale, finalize, finalized, finality, finals

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G