steal the show

Idioms

Also, steal the spotlight. Be the center of attention, as in The speeches were interesting but Eliza's singing stole the show. This idiom alludes to unexpectedly outshining the rest of the cast in a theatrical production. [First half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

steal the show

The Manchester City midfielder will be hoping to steal the show again in Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool.

From BBC ● Apr. 3, 2026

We caught up with four stars of the stage as they donned their costumes and sequins to come up with a list that enables a dame to steal the show.

From BBC ● Dec. 22, 2025

Taking a beat—30 seconds, three minutes—lets the previous role make its exit, so the next one can make its entrance and steal the show.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2025

Ultraman brought no merchandise with him, but he did bring an evil nemesis, who tried to steal the show during the ceremonial first pitch.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2025

The foodmakers would emerge from the kitchens and steal the show in their performance of taste appeal, warm odors, rare dishes....

From The Genius by Pederson, Con

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023