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

The sisters have always been said to be close to the Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex and have shared what it is like to grow up in the limelight.

From BBC ● Feb. 6, 2026

In my dream the moon was full but it was green, bright green—I kept thinking, We’re in the limelight!

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

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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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