intermezzo

Definitions

1. A short piece of music or act in the interval of the main spectacle; a theatrical interlude.
2. A palate cleanser; a small snack with a bright light neutral taste; a fruit; a fresh sparkling wine; or a fruity or milky cocktail; that is served between courses in a meal.
3. A tactical move which interrupts the execution of the current plan.

Equivalents

Examples

“She had ample time, too, to change⟳ for the next scene, which started with a longish intermezzo staged by a ballet company whose services Scotty had engaged [...].”

CEFR level