The idiom "steal someone's thunder" has its origins in the early 18th century and is attributed to John Dennis, an English playwright and critic. In 1709, Dennis invented a new method of simulating the sound of thunder for his play "Appius and Virginia" by rolling a sheet of tin to create a loud noise. However, his play was not successful, and it closed after just a few performances. Later, when another playwright, Richard Steele, used the same thunder-producing technique in his successful play, "Conscious Lovers," Dennis felt that his idea had been appropriated. He accused Steele of "stealing his thunder," coining the phrase. This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone takes credit for, or uses, another person's idea, work, or achievement, often to their disadvantage or without their permission. It implies that the original person's contribution has been overshadowed or diminished by the actions of another.

What is the origin of the idiom "steal someone's thunder" and when to use it?

to [steal] {one's} thunder

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc3RlYWwgb25lJ3MgdGh1bmRlcg&hash=21a02f2b5e76e177637d7cfda2599ab5b749d0fd&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

stepping stone

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c3RlcHBpbmcgc3RvbmU&hash=bf7525159622dfc1930512ad2f68df755d6d6a8c&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

still in the game

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c3RpbGwgaW4gdGhlIGdhbWU&hash=ce9ac312339d440dce55a314bad9606297032f29&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

The origin of the idiom "strike gold" can be traced back to the gold rush era in the United States during the 19th century when people searched for gold and struck it rich when they found it. This expression is now used more broadly to describe any fortunate discovery or success.

What is the origin of the idiom "strike gold" and when to use it?

to [strike] gold

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc3RyaWtlIGdvbGQ&hash=6cf42c1d98a9afa2b9c3baa7e6eeeddc3ddefde1&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

stroke

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c3Ryb2tl&hash=dadf0a241e90068d827a6e082087cd8e21f276a7&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

strong

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c3Ryb25n&hash=5f93296aa4b4ef772c620e0c723bc2af87e34571&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

to succeed

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc3VjY2VlZA&hash=ec7b68e47c4b8cbfc3af16b6e3471ce352eadc4d&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

success

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c3VjY2Vzcw&hash=8604302cab22a6a65d1945bc5988df63cbab04d5&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

successful

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c3VjY2Vzc2Z1bA&hash=b8fac8c90b29ea464a776e07556b7d53fcf8f86d&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

successfully

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c3VjY2Vzc2Z1bGx5&hash=cbb8d657687999a4a7e47a7456863d1dc557ee10&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to surmount

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc3VybW91bnQ&hash=4c4ae63517c24dbd78a7409ebb6354eb9bd4e5b0&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to swing

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc3dpbmc&hash=fafb83319b5cab3a91243ae2e4b246670d1f983e&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

synergistic

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=c3luZXJnaXN0aWM&hash=64cd6dbe2c42d119331ccf4ba7f0b1cb10329f4b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

to take

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdGFrZQ&hash=30a5f284fe0492a9d59f20f6592084f641c1ef89&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

to [take] {sb/sth} by storm

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdGFrZSBzb21lYm9keSBvciBzb21ldGhpbmcgYnkgc3Rvcm0&hash=bc31ea222f294a96882cc0a90ee4ecca3192c350&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to take off

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdGFrZSBvZmY&hash=847e01be4e5f8812f276d7edfb92336151f5a188&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to [take] {sth} to the next level

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdGFrZSBzb21ldGhpbmcgdG8gdGhlIG5leHQgbGV2ZWw&hash=96c7fbdeec39919980c70676ab50ea06bd5daa2d&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

the crest of (a|the) wave

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dGhlIGNyZXN0IG9mIGEgd2F2ZQ&hash=92877399903e7890fee439f4193cf905d6d57223&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

the last laugh

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dGhlIGxhc3QgbGF1Z2g&hash=84c4947f96ba231d2ef195c0b26489d294a69891&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

making of

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=bWFraW5nIG9m&hash=2d33e4a783f4779614930f10345280dbf7ae3f9e&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

The origin of the proverb "there is more than one way to skin a cat" is uncertain, but it likely dates back to the 19th century. It encourages flexibility, open-mindedness, and creativity when faced with challenges, reminding individuals that a single solution is not always the best or only way to succeed. The phrase promotes adaptability and the value of exploring different options.

What is the origin of the proverb "there is more than one way to skin a cat" and when to use it?

there is more than one way to skin a cat

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dGhlcmUgaXMgbW9yZSB0aGFuIG9uZSB3YXkgdG8gc2tpbiBhIGNhdA&hash=47a4fed6c9998cfc6ee8dd656dc59153cd53ecf7&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to thrive

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdGhyaXZl&hash=8e8d53e50a8332da3051ae34faf0c1c1ffd4eb2b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to thrive on

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdGhyaXZlIG9u&hash=8afade420729ce6a78637a4f83a908d82e68f7b1&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

thriving

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dGhyaXZpbmc&hash=db3a747ef9afda4b4ef7794ff369d89e135d4cf4&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The idiom "thumbs up" has its origin in ancient Roman culture, where a thumbs up gesture was used as a sign of approval or agreement. Gladiatorial contests in ancient Rome often involved life-or-death situations, and the crowd would signal their preference for the fate of the defeated combatant. A thumbs up indicated that the crowd wished the gladiator to be spared, while a thumbs down meant a fatal blow. Over time, the thumbs up gesture evolved into a universally recognized sign of positive affirmation or approval.

What is the origin of the idiom "thumbs up" and when to use it?

thumbs up

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dGh1bWJzIHVw&hash=c6b9e666adbb7aac6cdd0138565ec61c8434ae6b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to (a|the) tee

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gYSB0ZWU&hash=63ea69820d3505ad6c68a1ace0812febf6187be6&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to top

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdG9w&hash=6ed114fe8d112f2752977f69f7d2d5f343e93f4d&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

top-flight

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG9wLWZsaWdodA&hash=e090b07211d884b39875e4b9162952402884f988&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

tour de force

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG91ciBkZSBmb3JjZQ&hash=2c421a76b58dcaca1acee507a14d61cb6d3ea550&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

track record

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dHJhY2sgcmVjb3Jk&hash=039afb9f388bfeb815586be2674220e08ff51d74&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The phrase "tried and true" is an idiom that refers to something that has been tested, proven, and found to be reliable or effective through experience or a history of success. Its origin is not precisely documented, but it has been used for many years to describe things that have stood the test of time and have consistently delivered positive results.

What is the origin of the idiom "tried and true" and when to use it?

tried and true

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dHJpZWQgYW5kIHRydWU&hash=d757c6ef15dc7b2ae0c369061d5b96b52e4132f4&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=US

triumph

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dHJpdW1waA&hash=a29df780b2113bcc65623ac3fa07dc2ba0c09c6e&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to triumph

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdHJpdW1waA&hash=2eb8213631e259e30b4e1882daacd8da43cb4bf1&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

triumphant

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dHJpdW1waGFudA&hash=935754f62042dbbd03563a99789b38b6f61ce571&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

to turn around

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdHVybiBhcm91bmQ&hash=419c478bda345d378539a8a0b211887c87fcd92c&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

The origin of the proverb "two heads are better than one" is difficult to pinpoint, but it has been used in English literature since at least the 16th century. The saying emphasizes the value of collaboration, highlighting that when individuals work together, they can share ideas, spot mistakes, and come up with more effective solutions. It serves as a reminder that teamwork and diverse input can often improve decision-making and problem-solving.

What is the origin of the proverb "two heads are better than one" and when to use it?

two heads are better than one

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dHdvIGhlYWRzIGFyZSBiZXR0ZXIgdGhhbiBvbmU&hash=721eaf3b79a9512a878e8412e88ebe472682dbac&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

Here you will learn some English words related to victory and prosperity such as "stroke", "triumphant", and "thriving".

Victory and Prosperity

English Words for "Victory and Prosperity"