Definition

Noun: 1. A type of stage lighting: A lamp that produces a bright white light by heating a cylinder of lime (calcium oxide) with an oxyhydrogen flame. This technology was historically used to illuminate performers in theaters. 2. A focus of public attention: The center of public interest, notice, or media coverage.

Examples

• Noun (Historical lighting):
  • The actor was clearly visible under the intense glow of the limelight.
  • Before electric lights, theaters relied on limelight to highlight the main actors.
• Noun (Public attention):
  • After winning the championship, the young athlete found herself in the limelight.
  • The politician stepped out of the limelight after the scandal.
  • The company's new product has stolen the limelight at the technology conference.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in the limelight": To be the center of public attention.
  • She has been in the limelight ever since her first bestselling novel was published.
• "to steal the limelight": To attract the most attention, often away from someone else.
  • The lead actor was upset when the supporting actor stole the limelight with his powerful performance.
• "to step into/out of the limelight": To enter or leave a position of public attention.
  • After decades of fame, the singer decided to step out of the limelight and live a private life.

Variants and Related Words

• Limelighted (adj., less common): Illuminated by limelight or placed in the center of attention.
  • The limelighted stage was the focus of the entire theater.

Synonyms

• Public eye: The state of being known and observed by the public.
• Spotlight: A focus of public attention (derived from modern stage lighting).
• Center stage: A position of great prominence or importance.

Related Phrases

• "to hog the limelight": To selfishly keep all the attention for oneself.
  • He tends to hog the limelight during team meetings.
• "to share the limelight": To allow others to also receive public attention.
  • The director was gracious and shared the limelight with the entire cast and crew.

Noun

1. a lamp consisting of a flame directed at a cylinder of lime with a lens to concentrate the light; formerly used for stage lighting
2. a focus of public attention
   • he enjoyed being in the limelight
   • when Congress investigates it brings the full glare of publicity to the agency