What does “In the limelight” mean?
"In the limelight" means receiving a lot of attention or being in the spotlight.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After winning the championship, the team was in the limelight for weeks.
Example
The singer's scandal put her in the limelight and made headlines everywhere.
Example
The new product launch put the company in the limelight and attracted a lot of media coverage
Is “In the limelight” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“In the limelight” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “In the limelight” effectively in context?
You can use "In the Limelight" to describe someone or something that is receiving a lot of attention or is in the spotlight. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:
- 1Achievement
After winning the championship, the team was in the limelight for weeks.
- 2Scandal
The singer's scandal put her in the limelight and made headlines everywhere.
- 3Publicity
The new product launch put the company in the limelight and attracted a lot of media coverage.
Similar phrases to “In the limelight”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “In the limelight” come from?
The origin of the phrase "In the Limelight" can be traced back to the theater. In the 19th century, theaters used limelight, a bright light produced by heating a piece of lime, to illuminate the stage and highlight the actors. Being 'in the limelight' meant being in the center of attention and receiving the most focus from the audience.
Is “In the limelight” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "In the Limelight" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe people, events, or things that are currently receiving a significant amount of attention or are in the public eye.
What tone does “In the limelight” have?
"In the Limelight" conveys a tone of prominence and attention. It is often used to highlight someone or something that is at the center of public interest or discussion.
Can “In the limelight” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "In the Limelight" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It can be used in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more professional contexts such as presentations, interviews, or media discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After his breakthrough performance, he found himself "in the limelight".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'She's always seeking "the limelight"!' to imply someone who enjoys attention.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- in the spotlight
- attract attention
- be in the public eye
- be in the center of attention
- be in the focus
Antonyms
- unnoticed
- out of the spotlight
- in the shadows
- away from attention
- in obscurity
