upstage

[uhp-steyj]

upstage Definition

• 1. the part of a stage that is farthest from the audience
• 2. to divert attention from someone towards oneself
• 3. to treat arrogantly or inconsiderately

Using upstage: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "upstage" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She always tries to upstage her colleagues during meetings.

• Example

  The comedian's antics upstaged the main act.

• Example

  He was upstaged by his own assistant.

• Example

  Don't try to upstage the bride on her wedding day.

upstage Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for upstage

• outshine
• overshadow
• eclipse
• distract
• divert

Antonyms for upstage

• downstage
• foreground

Idioms Using upstage

• upstage/downstage

  to be more or less important than someone or something else

  Example

  The new product launch upstaged the company's previous offerings.

• upstage oneself

  to draw attention to oneself in a way that detracts from someone or something else

  Example

  The candidate upstaged himself during the debate by making inappropriate comments.

• upstage someone's game

  to make it difficult for someone to perform as well as they usually do

  Example

  The noisy crowd upstaged the tennis player's game, causing him to lose focus.

Phrases with upstage

• upstage hand

  the hand farthest from the audience when an actor is facing the audience

  Example

  In the play, the actor used his upstage hand to gesture towards the other character.

• upstage center

  the center of the back of the stage

  Example

  The set designer placed a large prop at upstage center to draw attention to it.

• upstage left/right

  the area of the stage that is farthest from the audience on the left or right side

  Example

  The actors entered from upstage left and exited from downstage right.

Origins of upstage

from upstage, meaning 'the rear part of the stage' in theater

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Summary: upstage in Brief

The term 'upstage' [uhp-steyj] refers to the part of a stage farthest from the audience, and also means to divert attention from someone towards oneself or to treat arrogantly. It can be used in phrases like 'upstage hand' and 'upstage center,' and idioms like 'upstage/downstage,' which mean to be more or less important than someone or something else. 'Upstage' can also be informal, such as 'steal the show' or 'hog the limelight.'