Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
to take stage

to take stage

5.5
Become the center of attention in public
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : subir al escenario
  • The young artist was excited to take stage at the talent show, capturing everyone's attention.

Examples

  • The actor took stage to thunderous applause.

  • When she entered the room, her charisma allowed her to immediately take stage.

  • He loves to take stage at every opportunity, always drawing attention to himself.

  • The young actor managed to take stage with his powerful performance.

  • She will take stage at the conference tomorrow.

  • When the singer began to take stage, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

  • During the presentation, she confidently took stage, ensuring all eyes were on her.

Synonyms

to take the stage
vsto take stage
34 3.8

Go in front of an audience to perform or speak and be the main focus

is about attracting attention broadly rather than performing before an audience
to steal the show
vsto take stage
  • Informal
14 3.7

To get the most attention or praise at an event

is about drawing attention generally rather than being the single most impressive person
to grandstand
vsto take stage
  • Literature
8 7.9

To show off to attract attention from others

is about drawing attention without theatrical self display
to hold court
vsto take stage
6 7.4

To get people to listen and enjoy what you say

is about drawing attention broadly rather than mainly entertaining people by talking
to step into the spotlight
vsto take stage
  • Informal
1 5.1

Become the main focus of people's attention after doing something important

is about drawing attention rather than achieving lasting public fame
to own the stage
vsto take stage
1 7.3

To perform confidently on stage and keep the audience's attention

is about becoming noticed rather than delivering a commanding impressive performance
to take the front seat
vsto take stage
  • Informal
1 4.2

To lead a group or activity and direct what people do

is about being noticed by others rather than formally taking a leadership role
to make a show of oneself
vsto take stage
  • Informal
1 7.5

To behave so others notice you in an embarrassing way

is about attracting attention generally rather than doing something that invites shame or censure
to step to the fore
vsto take stage
7.0

To offer to take charge of a group or task

is about attracting others' focus rather than becoming prominent through responsibility

Antonyms

to fade out
15 3.9

Gradually become harder to see or quieter until it disappears

overlooked
4.0

People do not notice it when it is important

How Noticeable

to steal the show
  • Informal
14 3.7
to take stage
5.5

Surface Forms

take stage infinitive
taking stage present participle
takes stage third person singular
took stage past
taken stage past participle

Morphology

take + stage

The meaning 'become the center of attention' is directly derivable from combining 'take' (assume or occupy) with 'stage' (a venue or focal platform): to 'take stage' implies occupying the stage and attracting focus. This event + location composition is common in English (see 'take the stage'/'take center stage') and is likely understandable to a B1 learner who knows the constituent words.

Etymology

Take stage may come from live shows, where to take the stage means to step onto the stage and hold the main spot while everyone watches, so it now means 'to become the center of attention'.