THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
In the limelight
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Receiving a great deal of public attention and interest.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The young designer was in the limelight after the exhibition opened.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 1 checked correctly
Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The young designer was ________ after the exhibition opened.
Show the answer
In the limelight — Receiving a great deal of public attention and interest.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “In the limelight” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Receiving a great deal of public attention and interest.
Compare: The young designer was in the limelight after the exhibition opened.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
Jump to a section
When to use it
Use it for a person, group or issue attracting attention. It suits conversation and general reporting and does not by itself say the attention is positive.
More examples in context
- She enjoys teaching but does not enjoy being in the limelight.
- The award put our small community project in the limelight.
Usage note
Keep the before limelight. Public attention may be welcome or uncomfortable; it does not automatically mean praise.
A short conversation
A: Will the award winner give another interview?
B: Perhaps, but she has said she feels uncomfortable in the limelight.
A: We should respect her preference.
One more practice question
Who is in the limelight?
A. Someone deliberately unnoticed by the public with no attention at all.
B. Someone receiving widespread public attention.
Check your answer
B. The limelight represents public interest and visibility.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.