steal the show

Meaning

To attract the most attention and praise during a performance or event, often unexpectedly. It is typically used when a supporting actor, guest, or minor detail becomes the main highlight because they performed so well.

Examples

• The main actor was great, but the dog in the second scene really stole the show.

  The main actor was great, but the dog in the second scene really stole the show.

• I know it was Sarah's wedding, but her little niece stole the show with her adorable dancing.

  I know it was Sarah's wedding, but her little niece stole the show with her adorable dancing.

• The opening band stole the show, leaving the headliner looking a bit average.

  The opening band stole the show, leaving the headliner looking a bit average.

• He only had a three-minute cameo, but he managed to steal the show.

  He only had a three-minute cameo, but he managed to steal the show.

• Don't let the background dancers steal the show; keep your focus on the lead singer.

  Don't let the background dancers steal the show; keep your focus on the lead singer.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She stole the show of the evening.

  ✓ She stole the show.

  The idiom 'steal the show' is a self-contained phrase. You do not need to add prepositional phrases like 'of the evening' to specify the event.

• ✗ The singer stole the public.

  ✓ The singer stole the show.

  Learners sometimes translate literally from their native language, saying they 'stole the audience' or 'stole the public'. The correct English idiom is always 'steal the show'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The backup dancers were so energetic they almost managed to ___.

  💡 To become the main focus of attention during a performance.

  Show answer

  steal the show

• Although she had a minor role, she completely ___ with her emotional monologue.

  💡 Use the past tense of the idiom.

  Show answer

  stole the show