take center stage
Become the focus
To take center stage is to become the main focus of attention, from the prominent position at the middle of a theatrical stage.
Issues, people, or events take center stage when they dominate discussion or concern: Climate policy took center stage at the summit.
The phrase suggests displacing other matters that were previously in focus.
- spotlightConcentrated illumination source
- in the spotlightReceiving public attention
- limelightCenter of public notice
- starLuminous astronomical object
- headlineNews article title
all eyes on · main event · shine · perform · steal the show · attention · audience · applause · standing ovation · lead · solo · debut · curtain · grand entrance · drama · entrance · command · presence
take center stageblend in
Become part of surroundings
fly under the radar · keep a low profile · keep one's head down
take center stagetake a back seat
Become less prominent
shrink back · step aside · hang back · play second fiddle · withdraw
take, takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, intake, uptake, overtake