| 释义 |
dim-out|ˈdɪmaʊt|
[f. phr. to dim out (dim v. 2 c).]
A reduction in the brightness or use of lighting, e.g. as a precaution against air-raids; in a theatre or cinema, the ending of a scene, etc., by a slow rather than fast diminution of lighting; the resulting partial darkness. Also transf. and attrib. Cf. black-out.
1942N.Y. Times 3 May 2E/5 In New York City the dim-out recalled the ‘lightless nights’ caused by the coal shortage in 1917. 1943J. Steinbeck Once there was War (1959) 3 It is evening, and the first of the dim-out lights come on. 1944Times 9 Nov. 2/3 One of the effects of the reduced gas-pressure at Manchester will be that the dim-out in the city will be more dim. 1947‘N. Blake’ Minute for Murder v. 100 Darkness. Damn the dim-out. 1960Lindsay & Crouse Sound of Music 7 Sister Sophia enters below the curtains and crosses the stage, carrying a large ring of keys. Dim Out. 1965B.B.C. Handbk. 11 It would be naïve to suppose the new [television] channel was launched into an entirely friendly world. The black-out of the first night was succeeded by the dim-out of the first few months. 1968O. Wynd Sumatra Seven Zero iv. 54 There didn't appear to be any activity at the hotel entrance, and there was a dim-out down there, as though all the staff had gone to bed. |