Page 50 - Conversation 3

(25) Steal someone's thunder

Introduction

Feifei wants to share some good news but Rob tells his good news first. Is he attention seeking?
We can learn an authentic English phrase that describes getting attention and praise that someone
else deserves.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2023/ep-230116

Transcript

Feifei
This is The English We Speak with me, Feifei...

Rob
…and me, Rob.

Feifei
Rob, I’ve got some very exciting news to share with you and our listeners.

Rob
Well, can I just tell everyone my news first?

Feifei
Go on then.

Rob
Well, I passed my grade one guitar exam!

Feifei
Oh, well done, Rob. But you’ve stolen my thunder now!

Rob
I’m not a thief, Feifei – I was just telling everyone my good news.

Feifei
I’m not calling you a thief, although you are stealing my attention! If you 'steal someone’s
thunder', you take the attention away from the other person, usually to your own advantage. It
also means you get the praise for something someone else has done. So, Rob, well done, enjoy
the attention.

Rob
Thanks. Now, will these examples steal your thunder as well?!