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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Talk about getting attention, outshining someone, and taking credit for an idea or achievement.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe story uses “steal someone’s thunder” for taking attention away from another person. That can happen by doing something better, or by announcing or doing something first so successfully that the attention shifts to you. It also links the idea to “outshine,” “eclipse,” “outperform,” and “upstage.”
Cultural note: “Steal someone’s thunder” is usually critical: it suggests someone else lost attention or credit. It does not automatically mean the person acted maliciously. The story says the earlier announcement only counts when it succeeds or receives praise; distinguish intentional credit-taking from an accidental interruption.
Keep exploringA colleague shares a plan, then someone else announces a similar idea first and gets the praise. Which expression describes what happened—and what evidence would you need before judging intent?
Phrase guide · 6 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe attention moving away from someone or their achievement.
Meaning
Take attention, praise, or credit away from another person, often by doing or announcing something first.
Tone & use
Usually negative or mildly critical. It can describe an effect without proving the person intended to take credit.
Example
“Maya had planned to share the news at lunch, but her brother posted it first and stole her thunder.”
Meaning
Act before someone else can do the same thing.
Tone & use
Informal. It can be neutral, competitive, or opportunistic depending on what the speaker did and why.
Example
“I was about to suggest a shared calendar, but Leo beat me to the punch.”
Choose verbs for surpassing or drawing attention from others.
Meaning
Attract more attention or do better than someone else.
Tone & use
Often used about a performance, skill, or achievement. It may be complimentary to the person who stands out, but comparative in tone.
Example
“The opening speaker was strong, but the student panel outshone everyone with its clear examples.”
Meaning
Become so successful or noticeable that another person receives less attention.
Tone & use
More formal or dramatic than “outshine.” It can also mean that one event or achievement overshadows another.
Example
“Her later discovery eclipsed the award-winning project that first made her famous.”
Meaning
Achieve a better result than someone else.
Tone & use
Common in work, school, sports, and business. It describes results more directly than attention or praise.
Example
“The small team outperformed its own forecast by finishing the prototype early.”
Recognize a performance word used figuratively in everyday life.
Meaning
Draw attention away from someone, especially during a performance or public event.
Tone & use
Originally linked to stage position; now also used figuratively. It can suggest deliberate attention-seeking.
Example
“The surprise guest upstaged the host by arriving with the award-winning rescue dog.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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