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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.

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

Beth Mead won the Golden Boot at Euro 2022 with six goals, but could her Arsenal team-mate Alessia Russo steal the show this summer?

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2025

Gonzo wants to perform a stunt, Miss Piggy aims to steal the show, and Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem fail to get the band back together.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2025

The places of worships, priests, charitable institutions and social organisations get profuse patronage from such people who literally steal the show wielding money.

From Truth and the Myth : Couplets quips by Narayanan, A. R.

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