Steal Someone’s Thunder: Meaning, Examples and Sentences
Elaboration and Examples:
The idiom “steal someone’s thunder” is used to describe the act of taking credit for someone else’s ideas, achievements, or accomplishments. It implies overshadowing or diminishing someone else’s success or attention by diverting it to oneself. The phrase originates from a literal example in the theater world, where sound effects were used to create the sound of thunder during performances. If someone were to steal someone else’s thunder, they would take credit for producing the thunderous sound effects, thus overshadowing the original creator.
Example 1:
Imagine a group of students working on a science project together. One student, Alice, comes up with a brilliant idea for an experiment. She excitedly shares her idea with the group, hoping to receive praise and recognition. However, before Alice has the chance to present her idea, another student, Bob, interrupts and presents a similar concept as his own. Bob steals Alice’s thunder by taking credit for the idea, leaving her feeling frustrated and unacknowledged.
Example 2:
In a business setting, suppose a young employee named Sarah comes up with a groundbreaking marketing strategy for a new product launch. She spends weeks researching and refining her ideas, excited to present them to her boss. However, during a team meeting, her colleague, John, steals Sarah’s thunder by presenting a modified version of her strategy as his own. He receives praise and recognition from their superiors, leaving Sarah feeling disheartened and robbed of the credit she deserved.
In both examples, someone’s thunder is stolen when another person deliberately takes credit for their ideas or accomplishments. This can lead to feelings of frustration, resentment, and a lack of recognition for the original person’s efforts. The idiom emphasizes the unfairness of the situation, as it implies that the person who steals the thunder is benefiting from someone else’s hard work and creativity.
Sentences on “Steal Someone’s Thunder”
My best friend Lily always steals my thunder when we show our drawings to our art teacher. She quickly shows hers first and gets all the compliments, and then I feel sad.
I was so excited to tell my family about the goal I scored in my soccer game, but my little brother stole my thunder by showing them the picture he drew.
During our school play, I practiced really hard to sing a solo, but my classmate Sarah stole my thunder by singing a louder and longer solo.
I made a cool LEGO spaceship, and when I showed it to my dad, my little sister came and started showing her toy car. She always steals my thunder!
I baked delicious cookies for my class party, but my friend Emily brought a big cake and stole my thunder. Everyone loved her cake more than my cookies.
I practiced a magic trick to show at my birthday party, but my cousin came and showed his card trick before me. He always steals my thunder with his tricks!
I worked on a science project for weeks, and when I presented it to my teacher, my classmate Mark interrupted and showed his project. He stole my thunder!
At the talent show, I was going to do a cool dance, but another girl did the same dance just before me. She totally stole my thunder!
I wrote a funny story for the school newspaper, but my friend Alex submitted his story first. He always steals my thunder with his funny writing.
I found a shiny seashell on the beach and was about to show it to my mom, but my little brother found a big crab and stole my thunder.
I spent weeks planning my surprise birthday party for my best friend, but my older sister stole my thunder by throwing her own surprise party the day before.
I had been practicing a new guitar solo to perform at the talent show, but my classmate Jake stole my thunder by playing the same solo right before me.
I was excited to share my idea for a school project, but my classmate Sarah stole my thunder by presenting a similar idea before I had the chance.
I spent hours creating a unique artwork for the school art competition, but my classmate Josh stole my thunder by submitting a similar artwork with more vibrant colors.
I had planned to announce my role in the school play to my friends, but my rival Emily stole my thunder by telling everyone before I had the chance.
I had written a heartfelt poem for English class, but my classmate Max stole my thunder by reading his poem first, which had a similar theme.
I worked hard on a science experiment and was eager to present my findings, but my lab partner decided to steal my thunder by presenting our project without me.
I was about to reveal my secret talent of juggling during the talent show, but my friend Alex stole my thunder by showcasing his juggling skills just before me.
I had been preparing a surprise dance routine for our school assembly, but my classmate Olivia stole my thunder by performing a dance routine with similar moves.
I had researched and prepared a thought-provoking speech for the debate competition, but my opponent stole my thunder by presenting similar arguments before I could deliver my speech.
I had been practicing a new song on the guitar to perform at the school talent show, but my classmate Emma stole my thunder by performing the same song before me.
I spent hours creating a unique design for the school art exhibition, but my friend James stole my thunder by showcasing a similar design that received more attention.
I had been working on a project for a science fair, but my lab partner Julia stole my thunder by presenting our project without giving me credit.
I was excited to announce my acceptance into my dream college, but my cousin stole my thunder by announcing their acceptance to the same college on social media first.
I had been saving up money to buy the latest gaming console, but my younger brother stole my thunder by buying it with his birthday money before I could.
I had written a short story for a writing contest, but my classmate Sarah stole my thunder by submitting a story with a similar plot and winning the first prize.
I had planned a surprise party for my best friend’s birthday, but my other friend Lily stole my thunder by throwing a bigger and more extravagant surprise party.
I had been training for a track and field event, but my teammate Alex stole my thunder by winning the race and setting a new record.
I had prepared a speech for a school debate, but my opponent stole my thunder by using my own arguments against me in a more persuasive manner.
I had organized a charity event to raise funds for a local shelter, but another organization stole my thunder by hosting a similar event on the same day and attracting more attendees.
I had been practicing for weeks to audition for the lead role in the school play, but my classmate Sarah stole my thunder by delivering a standout performance during auditions.
I had been planning a surprise party for my best friend’s graduation, but my sibling stole my thunder by throwing an even bigger surprise party without consulting me.
I had been working on a groundbreaking research project, but my classmate Tom stole my thunder by presenting a similar project at a science fair before I had the chance to showcase mine.
I had been training hard for the school basketball tournament, but my teammate Mark stole my thunder by scoring the winning shot in the final seconds of the game.
I had been designing a unique clothing line, but a popular fashion brand stole my thunder by releasing a similar collection before I could launch mine.
I had written a script for a short film, but a fellow student filmmaker stole my thunder by creating a film with a similar concept and receiving more recognition.
I had been selected to speak at a prestigious conference, but another speaker stole my thunder by delivering a captivating speech that overshadowed mine.
I had been planning a community event to raise awareness about an important cause, but another organization stole my thunder by hosting a similar event on the same day and drawing a larger crowd.
I had been working on a groundbreaking invention, but a competitor stole my thunder by patenting a similar invention just a few days before I could file for my own patent.
I had prepared a comprehensive marketing strategy for a product launch, but a rival company stole my thunder by launching a similar product with an aggressive advertising campaign that stole the spotlight.
