on stage Definition

stage
noun

1a. A platform on which a performance takes place, especially one in a theatre;


Example: stage door
Example: stage craft
2a. Any raised area or platform;

Thesaurus: frame, scaffold, staging, platform, tier, shelf.
2b. A platform that is used for supporting something, eg in a microscope where it supports a slide;
2c. A platform, especially one in a greenhouse, for putting plants on;
2d. A platform that juts out from the land to allow for the transfer of passengers, goods, etc on and off vessels.

Example: landing stage
3. The scene of a specified event.

Example: a battle stage
4. Any of several distinct and successive periods.

Example: The project is at the planning stage
Thesaurus: step, grade, plane, juncture, period, phase, level, position.
5. The theatre as a profession or art form.

Form: the stage
6a. A part of a journey or route;

Example: The last stage of the trip entails a short bus ride
(Brit)
6b. A major stop on a bus route, especially one that involves a change in ticket prices. Also called fare stage.
7. colloq
A stagecoach.

verb staged, staging

1. To present a performance of (a play).
2. To organize and put on something or set it in motion.

Example: It was a huge undertaking to stage the festival
Thesaurus: arrange, engineer, orchestrate, organize, present, manage, produce, put on, give.
3. To prearrange something to happen in a particular way; to engineer.

Example: tried to stage her colleague's downfall

Idiom: hold the stage

To contrive to be the centre of attention.

Idiom: in stages (by stages)

Gradually.

Idiom: on stage

Performing.
Example: He was on stage for three hours

Idiom: stage a comeback

Said especially of a performer, actor, etc who has retired or whose career has been flagging: to make a determined effort to relaunch their popularity.
Example: Sinatra stages a comeback every so often

Idiom: stage a strike

Said of a workforce, etc: to refuse to work, especially temporarily in response to a specific grievance.

Idiom: stage left (stage right)

At or on the left- or right-hand side of the stage when looking out at the audience.

Idiom: take the stage

To begin to act, perform, etc.

To come forward to speak to an assembled audience.

Etymology: 13c: from French estage storey or tier.