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Steal someone's thunder

verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To appropriate someone's ideas or information, typically in order to look better at that person's expense. idiomatic

    "There are several upstarts, who, without the genius to invent a style, have been copying yours, and trying to steal your thunder."

  2. 2
    To detract from someone's accomplishments or glory; to undermine. idiomatic

    "Can Your Competition Steal Your Thunder? Make sure that your competitors can't undermine your statement."

Etymology

Based on a 1704 quote of John Dennis, a literary critic and playwright, who invented a novel method for creating a sound effect for thunder. The play in which he first introduced this method flopped. When the next play shown in the theatre, Macbeth, used his technique for simulating thunder, Dennis was reported in the press as jumping up and crying "How these rascals use me! They will not have my play, yet steal my thunder."

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