preliminary acts

noun phrase

UK /prɪˈlɪmɪnəri ækts/

US /prɪˈlɪmɪneri ækts/

Things you do first to get ready before the main thing happens.

Warming up is one of the preliminary acts before the big race.

SYNONYMS

preparations first steps warm-ups preparatory actions initial moves

RELATED WORDS

prelude introduction setup groundwork opening

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Early actions taken in a legal process before the main hearing.

The lawyers filed the preliminary acts before the trial began.

3. The first small parts of a performance or ceremony.

The preliminary acts of the show included a short dance.

4. Steps done at the start of a science experiment.

Measuring the water was a preliminary act before mixing the chemicals.

5. Opening moves in a game or sport.

The players' preliminary acts were stretching and shaking hands.