stole the show
Became the star
To steal the show is to attract the most attention or praise in a performance or event, often unexpectedly or in a supporting role.
The phrase comes from theater, where a minor actor might outshine the lead: The child actor completely stole the show.
It extends beyond entertainment to any situation where someone becomes the unexpected center of attention: Her homemade pie stole the show at the potluck.
- outshinedExceeded in radiance
- excelledPerformed exceptionally well
- surpassedWent past or beyond
- outperformedDid better than others
- shoneEmitted brightness before
eclipsed · triumphed · dazzled · captivated · all eyes on · spotlighted · overshadowed · bested · upstaged · highlighted · showstopper · impressed · stunning · overtook · applauded · showcased · dominated · crowd favorite
stole the showblended in
Became indistinguishable from surroundings
took a back seat · flew under the radar · kept a low profile
stole the showbombed
Failed spectacularly, utterly
flopped · fell flat · tanked · crashed and burned · died on stage
stole, show, steals, stealing, stolen, stealer, shows, showed, shown