steal someone’s thunder, to
steal someone’s thunder, to - To ruin or detract from the effect of someone’s accomplishment by anticipating or copying it. This term originated in the early eighteenth-century theater, and the story behind it has been told by numerous writers. John Dennis (1657–1734), a critic and playwright, had devised a “thunder machine” for his play Appius and Virginia (1709); it consisted of rattling a sheet of tin backstage. The play failed, but a few nights later the same effect was used in a production of Macbeth, which Dennis attended and which prompted him to say, “They steal my thunder!” The term was subsequently used for similar situations and remained current long after its origin had been forgotten.
Related Terms:
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Steal the show - To outshine everyone else in a performance or at some event.
- “She absolutely stole the show with her passionate rendition of the classic song.”
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Upstage - To draw attention to oneself and away from another person, usually in a performance setting.
- “He’s notorious for trying to upstage his co-stars during every performance.”
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Preempt - To take action in order to prevent (an anticipated event) from happening; also, to acquire or appropriate (something) in advance.
- “The governor’s address preempted the scheduled programs for the evening.”
Proverbs and Similar Expressions:
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“All’s fair in love and war” - Suggests that in the challenges and duels of love and conflict, the ends justify the means, not unlike the theft of thunder.
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“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” - Reflecting on how borrowing ideas, while frustrating for the originator, can also be a compliment in disguise.
Humor-filled Quote:
“Stealing someone’s thunder isn’t so bad… unless they catch lightning in a bottle!”
References in Literature and Pop Culture:
- Explore the rogue actions of characters in Shakespeare’s plays.
- The competitiveness and drama in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman.
- “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from Funny Girl – a quintessential take on wanting to shine without interruption.
Suggested Literature:
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Filled with moments that metaphorically and literally steal thunder.
- Theatre by W. Somerset Maugham – A theatre novel which sees characters battling the limelight.
Songs:
- “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen – All about spiritedly claiming the spotlight.
- “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele - Emotionally expressive tune touching upon feelings of betrayal and loss of recognition.
Movies:
- All About Eve (1950) - A movie about the audacious ambition in the world of acting.
- Amadeus (1984) - Chronicles the fierce rivalry between Mozart and Salieri.
Inspirational Thought-provoking Farewell:
In a world obsessed with capturing attention and accolades, seeking external validation can often overshadow genuine creativity and collaborative spirit. Instead of perpetually vying for the spotlight, let’s inspire, uplift, and cherish each other’s unique contributions—sometimes the greatest show echoes behind the curtains.
