To upstage someone
Meaning
To draw attention away from someone, making them seem less important or prominent, often intentionally.
Origin
The phrase "to upstage someone" originates directly from the physical layout and conventions of traditional theatre stages. These stages were often raked, meaning they sloped upwards away from the audience. An actor positioned at the 'upstage' area, further from the audience and higher up the rake, would naturally draw the audience's eye over those standing 'downstage' (closer and lower). A performer could deliberately move upstage while another actor was speaking, forcing the downstage actor to turn their back to the audience to maintain eye contact, thereby diminishing their presence and diverting attention. This calculated theatrical maneuver to gain prominence became a vivid metaphor for outshining or overshadowing someone in any social context, giving the phrase its enduring meaning.
Examples
- The supporting actor threatened to upstage the lead with his incredibly flamboyant costume and exaggerated gestures.
- She always tried to upstage her sister at family gatherings by telling more dramatic, over-the-top stories.