exit stage left

exit stage left

1. noun A timely and inconspicuous exit or departure, done so as not to make a scene or attract attention to oneself. An allusion to stage directions in theater, indicating when (and where) an actor should leave the stage from a scene. When the rally was interrupted by protesters, the senatorial candidate made a quick exit stage left to avoid undue media attention.
2. verb To leave in a timely and inconspicuous manner, so as not to make a scene or attract attention to oneself. (Sometimes used as an imperative.) The CEO decided to exit stage left from the company before his embezzlements became too noticeable. I suggest you exit stage left before I lose my temper.
See also: exit, left, stage
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • exit
  • low profile
  • lay low and sing small
  • lie
  • lie low
  • lie low and sing small
  • lie low, to
  • angle
  • angling
  • high
References in periodicals archive
In the promo for "Exit Stage Left," Fizz can be seen talking to Omarion's ex-girlfriend Apryl.
For him, it all ended up in exit stage left when a police helicopter had to swoop to arrest the would-be burglar caught on the roof of the famous old building high above Northumberland Road.
AS the Sky Blues look set to exit stage left for Northampton with the boos of the crowd ringing out for villain Sisu, a subplot has emerged that throws fresh light on the longrunning pantomime.
There is an unscripted moment when Assad is forced back up against the wall by the crush of bodies, then he and his security detail head in the opposite direction to exit stage left. The odd struggles accompanying this egress forces crowd members to be pushed violently off the stage.
David Nicholls was all set for a career in acting, but admits a brush with a legend sent his ambitions on an exit stage left. After university, he won a scholarship at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York.
Exit stage left the incalculably rich Pied Piper--leaving her minions more spiritually impoverished than ever--and you have an object lesson in how the world rewards those who advance its cause.
Dubai's desire to exit stage left could be construed as entirely rational.
Fifteen minutes before the Mass, Slattery processed up the shrine's main aisle wearing the extravagant cloak, held up in back by a young altar server; before the main altar, there was a magnificent turn to exit stage left, at which point the cappa magna stretched almost the entire width of the sanctuary in front of the main altar.
Any other good news out there - other than Sports Relief has finished - and when does old age begin, and youth exit stage left? robert.cuffe @btinte rnet.co m Thanks go to Chris Humble for his contribution - George Osborne is just too much ...
Because now it's time for me to exit stage left. Or is it right?
'The film industry is so noisy you have to find little quiet places to keep experimenting - otherwise, exit stage left. The noise doesn't interest me, the work does'
Light bulbs flash, and the happy couple exit stage left to rapturous applause, and no doubt a bit of rice throwing.
A far cry from Christmas cheer, a chorus of disgusted boos has followed the team over the festive period and people are now calling for Jones to exit stage left, with Sir Jack hinting strongly at it too.
The ex-president insists he would be delighted to exit stage left, provided the media relents in its ceaseless pursuit.
The conclusion of the ballet, oblivious to Tchaikovsky's passionate climax, has Siegfried die on the ground, Rothbart jump into the lake, and Odette exit stage left. So much for poetry.