THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Steal someone’s thunder
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To take attention or credit away from another person's achievement, idea or announcement.
Usage note: keep in mind
Steal someone's thunder means take attention or credit away from that person's achievement, announcement or idea. The action may be deliberate or accidental. Use stole in the past. The expression describes diverted recognition, not merely doing the same activity.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- She stole my thunder by announcing her engagement at my birthday party.
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.
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Can you recall the expression?
Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?
To take attention or credit away from another person's achievement, idea or announcement.
Show the answer
Steal someone’s thunder — To take attention or credit away from another person's achievement, idea or announcement.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Steal someone’s thunder” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To take attention or credit away from another person's achievement, idea or announcement.
Compare: She stole my thunder by announcing her engagement at my birthday party.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- I waited to announce my news because I didn't want to steal my sister's thunder.
- The surprise guest stole the speaker's thunder at the launch.
Check your understanding
A person announces their own promotion during a friend's award celebration. Why might this steal the friend's thunder?
Check your answer
It shifts attention from the friend's achievement to the new announcement. The phrase focuses on who receives attention or recognition.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where steal someone’s thunder fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.