Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
to steal someone's thunder
idiom
/tə stiːl ˈsʌmwʌnz ˈθʌndər/
Definition
To take credit for someone else’s idea or to do something that prevents them from getting the attention or praise they deserve.
Examples
- She announced her promotion before her colleague could speak, effectively stealing his thunder.
- John wanted to present his project first, but Lisa showed her work and stole his thunder.
Meaning
This phrase is often used when someone does something that outshines another person’s accomplishments, making it seem as though they are the original source of that idea or accomplishment.
Synonyms
- Take the spotlight
- Upstage
- Supplant
