in the limelight

Idioms and Phrases

Also, in the spotlight . At the center of public attention or notoriety. For example, John loves being in the limelight , or The reporters made sure the attractive new actress would be in the spotlight . Both terms come from the theater and allude to focusing light on an important person, the first from a lighting device used from about 1840 on, the second from the early 1900s. Also see in the public eye ; steal the show .

Example Sentences

“Precise and circumspect, with an avuncular demeanor and an authoritative voice .... Summerall indulged his partner’s many appetites and asides, even when that meant being elbowed aside at the mike and in the limelight.”

From Los Angeles Times

The duo are back in the limelight due to a Ryan Murphy-created Netflix series dramatizing their case: "Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story."

From Salon

Earlier this year, former One Direction star Zayn Malik was revealed as the ambassador for the city's year in the limelight.

From BBC

But experts and people who have experienced infertility directly tell Salon that one silver lining of IVF being in the limelight is that it continues to normalize and destigmatize infertility treatments.

From Salon

Young, female dancers should be respected for the efforts they put in but also protected from permanently causing injury to their resilient bodies for their well-earned moment in the limelight.

From Salon

Related Words

• acclaimed
• eminent
• illustrious
• important
• infamous
• known
• leading
• notable
• noted
• notorious
• outstanding
• popular
• prominent
• recognized
• renowned
• reputable