phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Help Needed on phrase meaning

Posted by Bob on June 19, 2000

In Reply to: Help Needed on phrase meaning posted by Gabriel on June 18, 2000

: In the famous song what does it mean when the singer says: "Send in the clowns?" What's the significance of this phrase? Thanks.

: Gabriel
The song is by Stephen Sondheim, from "A Little Night Music." In it, an aging actress and a lawyer rekindle an old romance, and she finds herself in the middle of some chaotic events on a Midsummer Night. It reminds her of her theatrical life, and those moments in musical plays when a romantic interlude is followed by clowns and jugglers. But no clowns appear, so she's lost her poise.

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.