Why do we say "The show must go on"?

Well-Known Expressions

The show must go on

Meaning:

What has been planned must be carried out, whatever the circumstances.

Background:

This is a popular expression in the theater but apparently originated in the circus, probably in the 19th century. In 1867 it was recorded in the Dictionary of Americanisms, which means it had crossed over into common parlance by that time.

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