hold the stage
Captivate the audience
To hold the stage is to command attention, especially for an extended period.
The phrase comes from theater, where a performer holds the stage by captivating the audience.
More broadly, it describes anyone or anything dominating focus: The scandal held the stage for weeks.
A person who holds the stage in conversation tends to monopolize it.
command
Authoritative instruction given
- captivateHold attention irresistibly
- monopolizeClaim exclusive control
- overshadowDominate by comparison
spotlight · limelight · attention · presence · charisma · magnetism · control · prevail · eclipse · outshine
theater
Venue for live drama
- audienceGathered viewers collectively
- applauseCollective hand-clapping approval
- monologueUninterrupted solo address
soliloquy · curtain · encore · ovation · act · improvise · spotlight · showmanship · delivery · timing
hold the stagetake a back seat
Become less prominent
fly under the radar · keep a low profile · play second fiddle
hold, holds, holding, holder, holders, beholden, behold, beholds, beheld