Steal someone's thunder
/stiːl ˈsʌmwʌnz ˈθʌndər/neutral, informalUK · US · AU · IE · CA
What does “Steal someone's thunder” mean?
Steal someone's thunder means take attention or praise away from someone else by doing or saying what they planned to do first.
This idiom means taking credit, attention, or success away from someone else. It often happens when someone shares another person's good news before that person can do it themselves.
Using this phrase usually expresses mild frustration or disappointment. It highlights an unfair situation where one person overshadows another person's special moment.
When do people say it?
People use this phrase when someone takes credit for another person's idea or ruins their special announcement.
“I wanted to announce my engagement at dinner, but my brother stole my thunder by sharing his new job first.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: neutral, informal. It is most at home in both everyday conversation and professional writing. Most common in UK and US and AU and IE and CA.
Where does it come from?
In the early 1700s, an English playwright named John Dennis invented a new way to make the sound of thunder on stage. When another theatre used his sound effect for a different play without his permission, he angrily claimed they had stolen his thunder.
Origin confidence: Well documented
How do you say “Steal someone's thunder” in other languages?
Last reviewed 2026-09-11