Steal someones thunder

Meaning

Take the credit for something someone else did.

Examples

Joseph Swan had the first working lightbulb but Edison filed the first patent and effectively stole Swan’s thunder.

Where did it originate?

Britain, early 18th century. From a reference to the machines used in theatres to make the sound of thunder.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Steal someones thunder