stole someone's thunder
Claimed unearned spotlight
To steal someone's thunder is to take credit for their idea or to diminish their moment by doing it first or doing it bigger.
The phrase comes from an 18th-century playwright who invented a thunder sound effect, then heard it used in a rival's production: She was going to announce her promotion, but her sister stole her thunder by revealing her pregnancy first.
- jealousyResentful desire for another's advantages
- stealTake without permission
- take creditAccept acknowledgment for accomplishment
- creditRecognition or payment deferral
- claimStatement of ownership or truth
envy · sour grapes · resentment · frustration · attention · indignation · surprise · rain on parade · moment in the sun · glory hog · reveal · shadow · preempt · stage · spotlight · rival · imitation · boast