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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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Draw back the curtain

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

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.

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

The Guardian

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.

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

Independent

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times
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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.

Follow Trevor on TwItter.

News & Media

Vice

Consider how far you want to be able to draw back the curtains.

If you have a big windowsill with a cushion, draw back the curtains, and your cat can relax and watch the birds.

Mrs. Schneider drew back the curtain.

News & Media

The New York Times
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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

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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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: