# dance of the seven veils

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dance-of-the-seven-veils
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A striptease performance.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.