leave the stage

USAGE SUMMARY

'leave the stage' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone departing a physical stage (e.g. during a play or performance), and also metaphorically, as an instruction to leave a particular situation. For example: Before the performance began, the director instructed all the actors to take their places and not to leave the stage until the show was over.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They quietly chose to leave the stage.

The New York Times

But she refuses to leave the stage.

The New Yorker

Then the children leave the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

So why leave the stage?

The Guardian

That's it; they leave the stage.

The Guardian - Tech

I wish I could leave the stage".

The Guardian - Arts

I had to leave the stage.

The New York Times - Magazine

As Edgar talks, the other actors leave the stage.

The New Yorker

Everybody should want it to leave the stage completely.

The Economist

"Diego entered O.K., but he would not leave the stage".

The New Yorker

But politicians often struggle with when to leave the stage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leave the stage" when you want to convey the idea of someone exiting a performance or public role, whether literally or figuratively. It's a versatile phrase applicable to theater, politics, and other fields.

Common error

Avoid using "leave the stage" in contexts where a simple departure is meant. The phrase carries connotations of performance or public roles, so it's not suitable for everyday exits. For example, don't say "He left the stage when the meeting ended"; instead, say "He left when the meeting ended."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave the stage" functions as an idiomatic expression. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers literally to exiting a physical stage or, more broadly, to retiring or withdrawing from a prominent role or activity. The phrase serves as a verb phrase within a sentence, describing an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

18%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leave the stage" is a versatile idiomatic phrase that refers to both the literal act of exiting a stage and the figurative act of retiring from a prominent role or position. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and general conversation, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary. The phrase carries a neutral tone and is appropriate for various communication styles, but it’s important to consider the specific context to ensure accurate and effective use. Related phrases such as "exit the stage" or "step down" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exit the stage

Replaces "leave" with "exit", emphasizing the act of departing from a performance area.

take a final bow

Emphasizes the conclusion of a performance or career, often with a sense of finality.

bow out

Suggests a graceful or ceremonial departure, often at the end of a performance or career.

step down

Indicates a voluntary relinquishing of a position or role, often with a formal connotation.

make an exit

Focuses on the act of departing, suitable in contexts where the manner of leaving is important.

retire from the spotlight

Implies a deliberate withdrawal from public attention and activity.

conclude performance

Directly refers to the act of ending a performance, removing the figurative language.

relinquish one's role

Highlights the act of giving up a specific position or duty, removing the performance context.

end act

A simple and direct way to describe the ending of a theatrical act. The nuance of figurative uses of the main query is lost.

hang up the skates

A metaphor for retirement or cessation of a particular activity or profession, not specific to stage performance.

FAQs

What does it mean to "leave the stage"?

To "leave the stage" can refer to physically exiting a stage after a performance, or it can metaphorically mean to retire from a role or public life.

How can I use "leave the stage" in a sentence?

You might say, "After a long career in politics, she decided to "step down" and "leave the stage".".

What's a more formal way to say "leave the stage"?

A more formal alternative could be to "relinquish one's role" or "retire from the spotlight".

Is "leave the stage" only used in the context of theater?

No, while it originated in theater, "leave the stage" is now commonly used metaphorically to describe someone leaving any prominent position or field.