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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Draw back the curtain
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
20 human-written examples
Today MPs draw back the curtain to reveal a deeply unpleasant picture of working life in 21st-century Britain.
News & Media
At the beginning, he says, his sources were lobby journalists, who "would go, 'No, it's really like this – and draw back the curtain a little bit.
News & Media
Maybe the Buddha had this figured out centuries ago?" The most entertaining moments of "Anything Goes!" are the sporadic efforts to draw back the curtain.
News & Media
General Wilson said he believed an order had been made by Donald Rumsfeld, then the US Defence Secretary, to "draw back the curtain" and give Britain access to the planning process on Iraq.
News & Media
The letter was politically charged because it seemed to draw back the curtain, if only a little, on the carefully stage-managed public appearances of Mr. Putin on state television, often built around ostensibly official tasks.
News & Media
At center stage, they would swirl into a minuet, then draw back the curtain as Houdini -- to the triumphal tones of "Pomp and Circumstance" -- stepped forward in tails to begin his flash-magic routine of drawn scarves and flapping birds.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
39 human-written examples
'So let's draw back the curtains and let the sunshine in," said Julia Gillard on hearing of her narrow victory in Australia's general election.
News & Media
Follow Trevor on TwItter.
News & Media
Consider how far you want to be able to draw back the curtains.
Wiki
If you have a big windowsill with a cushion, draw back the curtains, and your cat can relax and watch the birds.
Wiki
Mrs. Schneider drew back the curtain.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
Use "draw back the curtain" to introduce a revelation or to expose hidden information, especially when you want to create a sense of drama or anticipation.
⚠ Common error
Avoid using "draw back the curtain" too frequently in your writing, as it can become cliché. Opt for more direct language if the situation doesn't warrant a dramatic unveiling.
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "draw back the curtain" is idiomatic verb phrase. It acts as a verb to describe the action of revealing or exposing something previously hidden. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts to introduce a moment of unveiling.
Expression frequency: Uncommon
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
80%
Wiki
10%
Science
10%
⚠ Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
"Draw back the curtain" is an idiomatic expression that means to reveal or expose something previously hidden. Ludwig shows that while grammatically correct and widely understood, it's most frequently used in News & Media to add a touch of drama to a revelation. When writing, consider alternatives like "reveal the facts" or "lift the veil" if you want to avoid overusing the metaphor. Ludwig's analysis suggests its use can create anticipation, but should be thoughtfully applied to avoid becoming cliché.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Lift the veil
This alternative uses similar imagery to "draw back the curtain", suggesting a removal of obscurity or concealment.
Bring to light
This alternative highlights the act of making something known, often something previously secret or ignored.
Expose the reality
This alternative emphasizes the act of bringing a situation or condition into public view, especially when it's unflattering.
Shed light on
This alternative emphasizes clarification and understanding, often used when explaining complex topics.
Lay bare the truth
This alternative emphasizes the complete and unvarnished revelation of something.
Unveil the truth
This alternative focuses on revealing the factual aspect, often implying a search for what is real and accurate.
More alternative expressions(1)
FAQs
How can I use "draw back the curtain" in a sentence?
You can use "draw back the curtain" to introduce a revelation or to expose hidden information. For example, "The investigation "drew back the curtain" on the company's fraudulent activities".
What does "draw back the curtain" mean?
"Draw back the curtain" is an idiomatic expression that means to reveal or expose something that was previously hidden or not well-known.
What can I say instead of "draw back the curtain"?
You can use alternatives like "reveal the facts", "lift the veil", or "shed light on" depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "draw back the curtains" instead of "draw back the curtain"?
While both forms exist, "draw back the curtain" is more common when referring to a singular revelation or exposure. "Draw back the curtains" might be used when referring to a more general opening up or unveiling of multiple aspects.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested