exit the stage

USAGE SUMMARY

"exit the stage" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to leave or depart from a stage or performance area. Example: After her final dance number, she gracefully exited the stage, leaving the audience in awe of her talent.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Good point, Alex. Nancy Pelosi just refuses to exit the stage.

The New York Times

Exciting times, then, just as the CSCI prepares to exit the stage.

The Guardian

But he signaled that he was not yet ready to completely exit the stage.

The New York Times

As with premium athletes, the great ones are rare and must one day exit the stage.

The Washington Post

Dean Schwartz will then hand them their diploma and they will exit the stage and return to their seat.

Stanford University

Dean Schwartz will hand you your diploma and you will exit the stage and return to your seat.

Stanford University

But as India's cricketing monarch prepares to exit the stage, his heir is ready to assume the duties of office.

The Guardian - Sport

Well, it's time for me to exit the stage (on two feet, eyes dry, spirit intact — thank God).

The New York Times

But it must be prodded to exit the stage with a whimper — not the bang that extremists long for.

The New York Times

Suddenly an alarm bleats, and they exit the stage, returning to repeat variations of the same high jinks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Moynihan then exited the stage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "exit the stage" when you want to convey a deliberate and often graceful departure from a role, position, or public life. It suggests a planned conclusion rather than an abrupt abandonment.

Common error

Don't use "exit the stage" solely to describe someone physically leaving a stage. The phrase typically carries a metaphorical weight, implying the end of an era or significant involvement in something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exit the stage" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression, often used metaphorically. It describes the act of leaving a prominent role, position, or public life. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which identifies it as correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

10%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exit the stage" is a versatile idiom, commonly used to describe a planned departure from a prominent role or public life. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts. While most frequently found in News & Media, it also appears in academic and general-interest sources. To ensure correct usage, it's important to remember that "exit the stage" typically carries a metaphorical weight, implying the end of an era or significant involvement. When seeking alternatives, consider factors like the desired tone and the specific nature of the departure. Remember that a literal physical exit can be described as "leave the stage".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a final bow

Directly references the act of concluding a performance, emphasizing the end.

leave the spotlight

Implies a departure from public attention or a position of prominence, similar to leaving a stage.

conclude one's performance

Focuses on the termination of an act or presentation.

step down from a role

Indicates a relinquishing of a formal position or duty.

finish one's act

Signifies the completion of a task or role, particularly in a performance context.

retire from public life

Suggests a complete withdrawal from public activities and visibility.

bow out gracefully

Emphasizes a departure that is well-handled and leaves a positive impression.

relinquish one's position

Formally conveys the act of giving up a held role or status.

pass the torch

Implies handing over responsibility or leadership to a successor.

make an exit

Simply means to leave, but can imply a deliberate or dramatic departure.

FAQs

What does it mean to "exit the stage"?

To "exit the stage" means to leave a prominent role, position, or public life, often after a significant period of involvement. It implies a planned or graceful departure, rather than an abrupt or forced one.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "exit the stage"?

It's appropriate when referring to someone who is retiring, stepping down from a leadership role, or concluding a significant phase of their career or public life. Consider alternatives like "leave the spotlight" or "step down from a role" depending on the context.

What are some alternative phrases for "exit the stage"?

Alternatives include "retire from public life", "bow out gracefully", "relinquish one's position", or "pass the torch". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "exit the stage" always used in a literal sense?

No, "exit the stage" is most often used metaphorically. While it can describe someone physically leaving a stage, it typically implies a broader departure from a significant role or public life. A literal exit can also be described as "leave the stage".