English · Work & Business
steal someone's thunder
/stiːl ˈsʌm.wʌnz ˈθʌn.də/
[/stiːl ˈsʌm.wʌnz ˈθʌn.də/]
take another's credit
Intermediatephrase
Definition
To take attention or praise away from someone by doing or saying their idea first.
Example
She announced the results early and completely stole her colleague's thunder at the conference.
She announced the results early and completely stole her colleague's thunder at the conference.
Etymology
From playwright John Dennis, whose stage thunder effect was copied by a rival production around 1709.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for taking credit or attention meant for someone else.
Literary Heritage
Originates with critic John Dennis, who reportedly cried that rivals had 'stolen my thunder'.