steal the spotlight

Meaning

To get more attention, praise, or interest than anyone else, especially when someone else was expected to be the main focus. It is often used in performance contexts but applies to any social situation.

Examples

• The backup dancer ended up stealing the spotlight from the lead singer.

  The backup dancer ended up stealing the spotlight from the lead singer.

• Although she had a minor role, her incredible performance stole the spotlight.

  Although she had a minor role, her incredible performance stole the spotlight.

• My brother always manages to steal the spotlight at family gatherings.

  My brother always manages to steal the spotlight at family gatherings.

• The new electric car stole the spotlight at the annual auto show.

  The new electric car stole the spotlight at the annual auto show.

• She didn't mean to steal the spotlight on her sister's wedding day.

  She didn't mean to steal the spotlight on her sister's wedding day.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He stole the flashlight with his amazing speech.

  ✓ He stole the spotlight with his amazing speech.

  Do not confuse 'spotlight' (the theatrical light focused on a performer) with 'flashlight' (a portable, hand-held light).

• ✗ She stole the spotlight of the main actor.

  ✓ She stole the spotlight from the main actor.

  Use the preposition 'from' to indicate the person or thing that lost the attention to the other party.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The adorable puppy managed to ___ at the outdoor party.

  💡 To take all the attention away from others.

  Show answer

  steal the spotlight

• She didn't want to ___ from the bride, so she wore a very simple dress.

  💡 Become the center of attention instead of the main person.

  Show answer

  steal the spotlight