show-stopper
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. An act or performance that is so impressive it causes a temporary halt in the show due to prolonged applause or audience reaction. 2. Something that is strikingly attractive, impressive, or has great popular appeal.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Impressive Performance):
- The singer's final high note was a show-stopper that brought the audience to its feet.
- The ballet solo in the second act is always the show-stopper of the evening.
- Noun (Strikingly Attractive Thing):
- Her emerald necklace was the absolute show-stopper of the gala.
- The new sports car's design is a real show-stopper.
Advanced Usage
- "to be a show-stopper": Used to describe something that dominates attention and admiration.
- His proposal wasn't just good; it was a show-stopper that won over the entire committee.
- The term can be used metaphorically outside of entertainment to describe anything that halts progress due to being an insurmountable problem or a point of awe.
- The legal issue they discovered was a potential show-stopper for the deal.
Variants and Related Words
- Showstopping (adj): Having the quality of a show-stopper; spectacular.
- She gave a showstopping performance.
- Showstopper is often spelled as one word: showstopper.
Synonyms
- Sensation: Something that causes great excitement and interest.
- Showpiece: An item or example considered outstanding and used for exhibition.
- Crowd-pleaser: Something that is certain to please an audience.
- Deal-breaker (for the "problem" connotation): A factor that causes an arrangement to fail.
Related Idioms
- "To stop the show": To give a performance so good it interrupts the performance with applause.
- The young violinist stopped the show with her passionate solo.
- "To steal the show": To attract the most attention and praise, often away from the main subject.
- Even though he had a small role, the comedian stole the show.
Noun
- something that is strikingly attractive or has great popular appeal
- she has a show-stopper of a smile
- the brilliant orange flowers against the green foliage were a showstopper
- an act so striking or impressive that the show must be delayed until the audience quiets down