| 释义 |
centre stage, n. and adv.
Brit. |ˌsɛntə ˈsteɪdʒ|, U.S. |ˌsɛn(t)ər ˈsteɪdʒ|
[‹ centre n. and adj. + stage n.]
A. n.
1. Chiefly Theatre. The central area of a stage. Cf. stage centre at stage n. 5f.
1875C. White Magic Penny i. i. 16 (stage direct) Goes up to the centre stage, and shifts his clothes. 1919Times 15 Dec. 7/1 The centre stage is covered over by a sloping roof. 1940Classical Philos. 35 39 Such passages were merely intended to give the actor time to walk from center stage to the wing. 1986D. Shields Dead Lang. (1990) xiv. 116 The director's only concern was that I not foul up the blocking: that I come to center stage for a second, then quickly retreat. 2006Vanity Fair Aug. 146/1 [She] shuttles between a piano perched on risers at the far end of stage left and a stool at center stage where she plays guitar.
2. In extended use: the most prominent position, the centre of attention. Cf. limelight n.
1905Washington Post 16 Apr. 8/7 When they see another dog holding center stage, gitting [sic] all the applause it was more than professional jealousy could stand. 1957R. W. Lyman First Labour Govt., 1924 xv. 268 Tory and Labourite monopolized the centre stage, and one humiliation after another was heaped upon the Liberals. 1993S. Deshpande Binding Vine 64 The mother..looks uneasy, sitting slumped awkwardly in her chair, as if she's unused to being centre-stage, and would be more comfortable being in the background. 2000T. Hall To Elephant Graveyard (2001) iv. 84 It was obvious that this old Harrovian was someone who enjoyed centre stage.
B. adv. At or towards the middle of a stage. In extended use: in or towards the most prominent position; at the centre of attention.
1919Marion (Ohio) Daily Star 7 May 13/2 The piano, shoved out center stage, was still covered with its tarpaulin. 1938Charleston (W. Va.) Daily Mail 9 June 8/2 A woman who wants the center of the stage, but cannot win it with merit, ‘gets her dander up’ and projects herself center-stage by main force. 1996C. Higson Getting Rid of Mr Kitchen iv. 47 A large photo of someone's room with that someone proudly seated centre stage. 2006Health Service Jrnl. 20 Apr. 5/1 (heading) Healthcare Commission to put patients' dignity centre-stage. |