dance of the seven veils
A striptease performance.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The performer began her dance of the seven veils.”
“The cabaret show reached its climax when the lead dancer performed the dance of the seven veils.”
“The historical drama featured an elaborate scene where the protagonist captivated the royal court with a dramatic dance of the seven veils.”
first recorded 19th c.
Based on the Biblical description (Mark 6:22) of a salacious dance performed (by Salome, according to tradition) in the court of King Herod. The precise term "dance of the seven veils" was reportedly first used in the stage directions of Oscar Wilde's play Salome (1891).
- 01
cloud seven
Often in the phrase on cloud seven: a state of bliss, elation or happiness.
- 02
dance attendance
To wait obsequiously (on or upon someone).
- 03
dance on nothing
To be hanged.
- 04
dance on someone's grave
To celebrate a person's death or downfall triumphantly.
- 05
dance with the devil
To engage in risky and immoral behavior.
- 06
fan dance
The incremental disclosure of tantalizing bits of information.
- 07
four score and seven years ago
Used (sometimes sarcastically) to indicate that a past event being mentioned is particularly important: a long time ago; many years ago.
- 08
kick and Prance
[Cockney slang]dance
Last updated August 10, 2026