Ever found yourself in the spotlight, only for someone else to inadvertently hog all the attention? Or perhaps you’ve been on the other side, unintentionally overshadowing someone’s big moment.
In this article, we’re flipping the script on the classic phrase ‘steal someone’s thunder’ by introducing 18 vibrant alternatives.
Whether it’s in a work presentation, a social gathering, or any situation where credit is due, these fresh expressions will enrich your conversations, keeping them engaging and precise.
18 Alternatives to “Steal Someone’s Thunder”
- Usurp the spotlight.
- Grab the limelight.
- Eclipse someone’s moment.
- Take center stage.
- Overshadow someone’s achievement.
- Hijack the attention.
- Outshine unexpectedly.
- Commandeer the accolades.
- Snatch the recognition.
- Rob the applause.
- Capture the headlines.
- Upstage someone’s performance.
- Corner the praise.
- Seize the kudos.
- Dominate the scene.
- Swipe the spotlight.
- Bask in someone else’s glow.
- Steal the show.
Ways to Use “Steal Someone’s Thunder” in Conversation
“Steal someone’s thunder” is a vivid idiom used to describe taking away attention or recognition from someone else, often at a time when they expect to receive it.
Here’s how to use it in conversation:
- Discussing Work Situations: For example, if a colleague presents your idea as their own during a meeting, you might later say to another coworker, “I can’t believe Jake stole my thunder in the meeting today.”
- In Social Scenarios: If someone announces big news at an event that was supposed to be about celebrating another person, you might comment, “It’s a bit unfair how she stole the bride’s thunder at the wedding by announcing her engagement.”
- While Observing Public Figures: For instance, discussing a celebrity event, you could say, “The guest speaker really stole the host’s thunder with that unexpected announcement.”
- Expressing Personal Feelings: If you feel overshadowed in a personal situation, you might say, “I feel like my big moment was taken away when he stole my thunder.”
This phrase is often used to express frustration or disappointment about being overshadowed or upstaged, especially in situations where one expects to be the focus of attention or receive credit.
Origin and History of “Steal Someone’s Thunder”
The term “steal someone’s thunder” originates from a historical incident involving the dramatist John Dennis (1658-1734).
Dennis had created an innovative thunder machine for his 1709 play “Appius and Virginia.” Unfortunately, the play was not a success and was quickly withdrawn.
However, a performance of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” soon after used Dennis’s thunder techniques without his permission.
Upon discovering this, Dennis reportedly exclaimed in resentment, “That is my thunder by G—d; the villains will play my thunder, but not my plays.”
This incident gave birth to the idiom “steal my thunder,” which eventually evolved into the commonly used phrase “steal someone’s thunder”