draw the curtain

draw the curtain

1. To open a curtain in order to see or reveal what is behind it. Please draw the curtain so we can get some more sunlight in here.
2. To conceal something; to keep something a secret. The police have been accused of drawing a curtain on the officer's alleged involvement with the teenager's murder.
See also: curtain, draw
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

draw the curtain

1. Pull a curtain back or to one side to let in more light or to discover what is behind it. For example, The sun was so pleasant I drew the curtains. [c. 1500]
2. Block or conceal something. For example, Let's draw the curtain over this matter; no one needs to know more. [c. 1500] Also see draw a veil.
See also: curtain, draw
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • the curtain falls on (something)
  • the curtain falls
  • the curtain comes down on (something)
  • the curtain comes down on something
  • the final curtain
  • curtain off
  • draw the curtain on (something)
  • draw the curtain over (something)
  • emerge from (something) as (something)
  • rang
References in classic literature
I shall tell him to come in." Rodney spoke with such decision that when he raised his arm Katharine expected him to draw the curtain instantly.
"Don't open the window; and you'd better draw the curtain, too; Freddy or any one might be outside." He obeyed.
She knew the hour at which the tumbril with those condemned to die passed the windows; and at the first signal would close them and draw the curtain. But on this day some invincible fascination nailed her to her place.
Hold your tongue." He turned to the sentinel and added in German, "Draw the curtain again; and if the woman persists, put her back into this room with your own hand."
Before he leaves the room, silent Peter goes to the window, and asks in fewest possible words if he shall draw the curtains. In fewer words still--for I am feeling drowsy already--I answer No.
Instead they now look to draw the curtain tomorrow away at Nuneaton Town.
global Conflict, to draw the curtain On the helter and the skelter.
Suddenly, time's logic dies and we draw the curtain to avoid the
Tendulkar, who will draw the curtain on his iconic career when he chalks up his 200th Test match in a two-match home series against the West Indies next month, has reportedly been a constant during Dhoni's entire history with cricket, including his elevation to the top of the Indian game.
The Bantams claimed a 2-0 win at Bootham Crescent thanks to second-half goals by James Hanson and Garry Thompson, with the result enough to draw the curtain on Mills' time at the club.
Fish saved a break point before taking advantage of his second match point, to draw the curtain on a distinctly unimpressive Murray display.
''You can draw the curtain on the Government-Ruling Parties Budget Conference because there will be overlap (with the new body),'' Makoto Koga, secretary general of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), said on a TV Asahi program.
Sir, - Is it not time to draw the curtain on this farce of a New Labour Government with a General Election this autumn rather than having to wait until next year?
"Not bothering to draw the curtain around my bed, one doctor pulls up my bed sheets and, even though [their work is] not related to my current medical problem, the interns gawk at my legs.
For the last fortnight, spa town Llanwrtyd Wells has been hosting events that could best be described as curious and sometimes downright bizarre, and the closing ceremony tomorrow night will draw the curtain on the worm charming, chariot racing and the Wife Carrying Championships.