- To take attention or praise away from someone else, usually by announcing their news first, upstaging them, or doing something more impressive just before or after their own achievement or announcement.
Explanation
Origin
- Coined by the 18th-century playwright John Dennis. He invented a new method for creating the sound effect of thunder for his play, Appius and Virginia.
- The play failed, but its thunder effect was soon used in a production of Macbeth at the same theatre.
- Dennis reportedly exclaimed, Damn them! They will not let my play run, but they steal my thunder!
- The phrase caught on, meaning to use someone else's invention or idea, and later broadened to mean upstaging someone or taking credit/attention due to them.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Hog the spotlight
- One-up someone (Try to do better immediately after)
- Bogart the attention (Bogart means to selfishly take or keep something, origin related to actor Humphrey Bogart's perceived screen persona, often seen smoking).
Milder/Formal:
- Detract from someone's achievement
- Divert attention from someone
- Pre-empt an announcement
- Overshadow someone
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal. Widely understood in professional contexts but describes potentially sensitive interpersonal dynamics.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Highly figurative. Ensure understanding that thunder represents attention, praise, or the impact of an announcement/achievement.
Examples
- She announced her engagement at my birthday party and totally stole my thunder.
- I was about to share my good news, but my colleague jumped in and stole my thunder with his promotion.
- Try not to steal his thunder on his graduation day; let him have the spotlight.
Dialogue
Emily: I finally finished my presentation! I'm going to show it to the boss tomorrow.
Dave: That's great! Just make sure Lisa doesn't see it beforehand. You know how she likes to steal people's thunder.
Emily: You're right. Last time, she presented my idea as her own before I got the chance.
Dave: Exactly. Keep it under wraps until you're ready.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: My sister announced her pregnancy at my wedding reception. Talk about stealing my thunder! #WeddingDrama #FamilyIssues
- Post: Excited to launch my new product next week! Please nobody steal my thunder before then! 🙏 #Entrepreneur #ProductLaunch
- Comment: He always manages to steal her thunder during meetings. It's so frustrating to watch.
Response Patterns
- If accused: Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. or I was just excited.
- If observing: Yeah, that wasn't cool of them. or How rude!
- If cautioned: Don't worry, I wouldn't do that.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone's thunder has been stolen:
- One might offer sympathy: That's really unfair. or criticize the person who did it: They shouldn't have done that.
After accusing someone:
- The accused might apologize or try to justify their action.
After being cautioned:
- The person usually agrees to be mindful of the other person's moment.
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes an action, usually with disapproval.
Intonation
- Emphasis on steal and thunder. STEAL his THUNDER.
- Often said with annoyance or as a caution.
Generation Differences
- Generally understood by most generations, though the origin story might be less known.
Regional Variations
- Common across English-speaking regions.