stealing the show

USAGE SUMMARY

"stealing the show" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is doing or saying something that attracts the attention of everyone in the room or situation, often in a positive way. For example: "The professor's unexpected joke was so funny that it was like he was stealing the show."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe he celebrates by stealing the show.

The New York Times - Sports

She's a supporting character who ends up stealing the show.

The New York Times

The reserves were stealing the show here yesterday.

Independent

DI Deering should nick herself, for stealing the show.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And side dishes sometimes come close to stealing the show.

The New York Times

But in some ways Hulu is stealing the show.

The New York Times

Tiki is pretty much stealing the show right now".

The New York Times - Sports

LONDON — Call it seizing the moment, or simply the time-honored art of stealing the show.

The New York Times - Arts

Well into season six now with Alison Janney stealing the show as CJ.

Independent

Two musicals later, she is stealing the show and reading at grade level, Ms. Lynch said.

The New York Times

An exquisite wren-sized turquoise butterfly glided past, stealing the show.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stealing the show" to describe a situation where someone unexpectedly becomes the center of attention due to their actions or performance.

Common error

Avoid using "stealing the show" when the attention gained is unwanted or detrimental to others, as the phrase generally carries a positive connotation of excellence or charm.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stealing the show" is as a verbal phrase acting as a predicate within a sentence. It describes an action where someone or something unexpectedly becomes the focus of attention, often due to superior performance or charm. As exemplified by Ludwig, this phrase is widely recognized and readily understood in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Arts

13%

Sports

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Stealing the show" is a commonly used and grammatically sound idiomatic phrase that describes someone or something unexpectedly becoming the center of attention, usually in a positive way. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability, noting its presence in diverse contexts such as news, sports, and the arts. The phrase generally implies a delightful or impressive act that captures attention, distinguishing it from negative connotations like "hogging the spotlight". When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its positive nature, and consider alternatives like "dominating the spotlight" or "captivating the audience" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominating the spotlight

Implies a more aggressive or intentional act of capturing attention.

becoming the highlight

Suggests that someone or something is the most memorable part of an event.

captivating the audience

Focuses on the audience's positive reaction and engagement.

taking center stage

Emphasizes the act of becoming the main focus of attention.

outshining the competition

Highlights a competitive scenario where someone performs better than others.

commanding attention

Implies an authoritative and forceful way of attracting attention.

delivering a stellar performance

Focuses on the quality of the performance and its impact.

eclipsing everyone else

Suggests a superior performance that makes others less noticeable.

winning all the accolades

Suggests that someone received all the recognition and awards.

making a grand entrance

Focuses on the initial impression and impact of someone's arrival.

FAQs

How can I use "stealing the show" in a sentence?

You can use "stealing the show" to describe someone or something that unexpectedly becomes the center of attention due to their exceptional performance or captivating presence. For example, "The unexpected guest ended up "stealing the show" with an impromptu performance".

What's a good alternative for "stealing the show"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "dominating the spotlight", "captivating the audience", or "taking center stage".

Is "stealing the show" always a positive thing?

Generally, yes. "Stealing the show" implies that someone is performing exceptionally well or is particularly charming. However, it could be perceived negatively if the attention gained is at the expense of others or is inappropriate for the situation.

What's the difference between "stealing the show" and "hogging the spotlight"?

"Stealing the show" often implies a delightful or unexpected act of capturing attention, usually through talent or charm. On the other hand, "hogging the spotlight" suggests a selfish or greedy desire to be the center of attention, often to the detriment of others.