steal someone's thunder
Say it: steal someone's THUN-duh /ˌstiːl ˌsʌmwʌnz ˈθʌndə/ · idiom
What “steal someone's thunder” means
Take attention or credit that should belong to someone else.
More precisely: To take attention or credit away from someone, often by doing their thing first.
When to use it
In informal conversation, when someone takes another person's moment of attention or praise. The tone is usually critical.
Similar words
upstage, outshine, take the credit
Where it comes from
From playwright John Dennis, who complained in 1709 that rivals used his stage-thunder machine.
Quick check
Just as your teammate presents their invention, you interrupt with your own big announcement and everyone turns towards you. Which phrase fits?
steal someone's thunder or take centre stage?
Show the answer
steal someone's thunder
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