[Idiom] STEAL THUNDER. - Learn How to Identify Idea Theft in Conversations
Steal thunder.
To take credit for someone else's idea.
The phrase "steal thunder" comes from a historical anecdote about an 18th-century playwright named John Dennis who invented a new thunder-making machine for his play. When his play flopped but his thunder machine was used by another playwright to better effect, Dennis accused him of "stealing his thunder." Today, we use the phrase to describe situations where someone takes credit for another person's idea, often overshadowing the original person's contributions.
Example Sentences
His spectacular performance stole my thunder at the party.
His impressive performance overshadowed mine at the party.
I was about to announce our project, but she stole my thunder with her news.
She made the announcement before I could, taking away my opportunity to share the news.
Just as he was going to unveil the new design, his colleague stole his thunder by leaking it early.
His colleague revealed the new design before he could, taking away his moment to present it.