in the limelight

Idioms  

1. Also, in the spotlight. At the center of public attention or notoriety. For example, John loves being in the limelight, or The reporters made sure the attractive new actress would be in the spotlight. Both terms come from the theater and allude to focusing light on an important person, the first from a lighting device used from about 1840 on, the second from the early 1900s. Also see in the public eye; steal the show.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in the limelight

But after forgettable stops in Turkey and Portugal, he’s back in the limelight at Real Madrid.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026

Mostly they knowingly forfeit the cash to have their 15 minutes in the limelight, sending up the pageantry of British politics.

From Slate ● Aug. 12, 2026

He’s been down in the basement doing press calls like this, he explains, undoubtedly a familiar routine after so many years in the limelight.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

She clearly thrives in the limelight and embraces the glamour that comes with being her country's most celebrated foody.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2025

Lonna had been counting on her son to keep the Leep family in the limelight, which is the last place he wanted to be.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen

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Related Words

• acclaimed
• eminent
• illustrious
• important
• infamous
• known
• leading
• notable
• noted
• notorious
• outstanding
• popular
• prominent
• recognized
• renowned
• reputable

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