"Drops the iron curtain" is a metaphorical expression that originated during the Cold War era. It refers to the act of closing off or isolating a country or region from the rest of the world, typically for political, ideological, or security reasons. The term specifically alludes to the imposing image of the "Iron Curtain," which was a physical and ideological division that separated Western Europe and the Eastern Bloc countries, particularly those under Soviet influence.
The phrase implies the sudden and drastic imposition of strict restrictions, censorship, surveillance, and limitations on freedom of movement, exchange of ideas, and interaction with the outside world. It suggests a deliberate and forceful decision to cut off connections and communication with the external realm, thereby creating a sense of isolation, secrecy, and mystery. This action aims to create a psychological, symbolic, and physical barrier between the closed-off country and the rest of the world.
The expression "drops the iron curtain" has become idiomatic and can now also be used in a broader sense to describe any attempt by a governing body or authority to isolate or segregate a region or community from the societal norms, practices, or influences of others. It signifies the intentional division, suppression, or entrenchment of institutional or ideological boundaries, often to maintain control, protect interests, or enforce a particular belief system.
