If someone is in the limelight, a lot of attention is being paid to them, because they are famous or because they have done something very unusual or exciting.
Tony has now been thrust into the limelight, with a high-profile job.
Synonyms: publicity, recognition, fame, the spotlight More Synonyms of limelight
limelight in British English
(ˈlaɪmˌlaɪt)
noun
1. the limelight
2.
a.
a type of lamp, formerly used in stage lighting, in which light is produced by heating lime to white heat
b. Also called: calcium light
brilliant white light produced in this way
Derived forms
limelighter (ˈlimeˌlighter)
noun
limelight in American English
(ˈlaɪmˌlaɪt)
noun
1.
a brilliant light created by the incandescence of lime, formerly used in theaters to throw an intense beam of light upon a particular part of the stage, a certain actor, etc.
2.
the part of a stage where a limelight or spotlight is cast
3.
a prominent or conspicuous position before the public
Examples of 'limelight' in a sentence
limelight
He clearly enjoys the limelight - so long as it's on his own terms.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
No doubt he will also enjoy avoiding the limelight for a bit.
The Sun (2010)
Suddenly he had to share the limelight with a stunning blonde.
The Sun (2013)
Yet once again he was happy to shun the limelight and turn the attention to his captain.
The Sun (2007)
So why step into the limelight now?
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In my school play the wise men always seemed to steal the limelight.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Let them enjoy the limelight we have enjoyed for the previous eight years.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
He used to refuse all requests for interviews and always consciously shunned the limelight.
The Sun (2008)
But after initially enjoying the limelight all the attention became too much and hewent into meltdown.
The Sun (2012)
But he is happy to shun the limelight.
The Sun (2008)
But now she appears ready to seize the limelight in a way that would make her father proud.
The Sun (2015)
Both had no real thirst for the limelight and no way of dealing with it when it came.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Sharp seemed to shun the limelight.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
You're ready to share the limelight and show a gentler side.
The Sun (2016)
It was an afternoon for the unsung to claim a share of the limelight on quarter-final weekend.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Is there a part of you that enjoys the limelight, though?
The Sun (2013)
But sometimes they need to share the limelight, hopefully now we can get some of it.
The Sun (2009)
He's playing up to the cameras and enjoying the limelight.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Awards two months ago, he shuns the limelight.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
There was no attempt to steal the limelight - and he would not have needed to try hard had he wanted to.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
A rare chance for an also-ran to grab some limelight.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
But the England Under-21 player saw a couple of other starlets steal the limelight.
The Sun (2012)
When they emerged the Duchess stepped straight into the waiting car, seemingly keen to avoid hogging the limelight.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
HE was the star of the whole show two years ago and don't bet against him grabbing the limelight in Wales.
The Sun (2010)
In other languages
limelight
British English: limelight NOUN
If someone is in the limelight, a lot of attention is being paid to them, because they are famous or because they have done something very unusual or exciting.
He has now been thrust into the limelight, with a high-profile job.
American English: limelight
Brazilian Portuguese: centro das atenções
Chinese: 众人注意的中心
European Spanish: primer plano
French: feux des projecteurs
German: Rampenlicht
Italian: ribalta
Japanese: 脚光
Korean: 세상의 이목
European Portuguese: centro das atenções
Latin American Spanish: marquesinas
Chinese translation of 'limelight'
limelight
(ˈlaɪmlaɪt)
n
to be in the limelight为(為)公众(眾)所瞩(矚)目 (wéi gōngzhòng suǒ zhǔmù)
(noun)
Definition
glare of publicity
He has been thrust into the limelight with a high-profile job.
Synonyms
publicity
The case has generated enormous publicity.
recognition
fame
At the height of his fame, his every word was valued.
the spotlight
attention
prominence
stardom
In 1929 she shot to stardom on Broadway.
public eye
public notice
glare of publicity
Additional synonyms
in the sense of fame
Definition
the state of being widely known or recognized
At the height of his fame, his every word was valued.
Synonyms
prominence,
glory,
celebrity,
stardom,
name,
credit,
reputation,
honour,
prestige,
stature,
eminence,
renown,
repute,
public esteem,
illustriousness
in the sense of stardom
Definition
the status of a star in the entertainment or sport world