steal someone’s thunder
Meaning
To take credit for someone else’s idea or success, or to upstage them by doing/saying something first.
Origin
Often traced to early 18th‑century English theatre: playwright John Dennis reportedly invented a thunder sound effect; when another production used it, he complained they had “stolen his thunder.” The phrase then broadened to mean taking someone’s spotlight or credit.
Notes
Usually critical: someone takes another person’s spotlight or credit, often by announcing/doing it first. Can be used for social upstaging or workplace credit-stealing.
Examples
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I was about to announce my promotion, but my coworker stole my thunder by bringing it up first.
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Don’t post the engagement photos yet—you’ll steal her thunder at the party.
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He meant well, but he stole my thunder by answering the question before I could.
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The keynote speaker’s surprise reveal stole the CEO’s thunder.
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I didn’t want to steal your thunder, so I waited until after your presentation to share my news.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed pattern: “steal someone’s thunder” (someone’s = my/your/his/her/their). Often in past tense (“stole my thunder”). You can add context with by + -ing (“stole my thunder by announcing it first”).
Synonyms
- upstage
- take the wind out of someone’s sails
- take credit for
- outshine
Antonyms
- give someone credit
- let someone have the spotlight
- play second fiddle