steal someone's thunder

idiom/stiːl ˈsʌmwʌnz ˈθʌndər/ 🔊 listen

Steal someone's thunder means to take the attention or praise that someone else deserves, often by doing or revealing their idea first. You overshadow their moment and grab the credit or spotlight for yourself.

📖 Meanings

1to take the attention or credit someone else deserves
"She announced the news first and stole his thunder." — She announced the news first and took the attention he deserved.
2to overshadow someone's special moment
"Don't propose at their wedding — you'll steal their thunder." — Don't propose at their wedding — you'll take all the attention from them.

🔄 Related phrases

take the spotlight →upstage someone →take the credit →

💬 Common patterns

steal someone's thundersteal my thunderdon't steal their thunder
❓ How do you say someone took the attention another person deserved?