sneak preview

noun
1.
a preview of a motion picture, often shown in addition to an announced film, in order to observe the reaction of the audience.
Origin
1935-40
Examples from the web for sneak preview
  • Getting ready for rollout: trainings, downtimes, and a final sneak preview.
  • Those of you who attended our conference last year received a sneak preview of the new system.
British Dictionary definitions for sneak preview

sneak preview

noun
1.
a screening of a film at an unexpected time to test audience reaction before its release
Idioms and Phrases with sneak preview

sneak preview

An advance showing of something, as in It was supposed to be bad luck but she gave the bridegroom a sneak preview of her wedding gown. This expression originated in the 1930s for a single public showing of a motion picture before its general release, and in succeeding decades was transferred to other undertakings.