center stage
30
3.8
- noun
- /ˈsɛntər steɪdʒ/
- Informal
:
protagonismo
- The other adults were removed a pace or two, ceding center stage to the empress and the happy children.
- takes center stage
- occupies center stage
- holds center stage
there is one problem that takes centre stage on this inauspicious day.
- there is one problem that takes centre stage on this inauspicious day.
- However, there is one problem that takes center stage on this inauspicious day.
- When you do this, the obsessive thoughts take center stage.
- Let's at least give them center stage and space because as you point out, what's been done.
- Housing is certainly center stage, but so are a lot of other areas, home improvement, cars, boats, RV's.
- In these circumstances, it would not be long before reparations again took center stage and troops would again be on the March.
- It is a form of instant Question Time, but one whereby absolutely any Member of Parliament can assume centre stage.
- AB come center stage and let's see this outfit.
Examples
-
The Russian Revolution of March 1917 put the issue of war at center stage.
Academic text (1995) -
The intersection of local choices and judicial review remains at center stage in the current court.
Academic text (1995) -
The individual's inner life stands at center stage and becomes more and more important.
Academic text (1990) -
As the issue plays out in the coming years, the Commerce Clause will take center stage.
Academic text (2017) -
The West may have been pivotally important, but has it been too much at center stage?
Academic text (2003) -
Transgender cyclists continue to take center stage in the debate for women's rights.
-
In the last decade, however, strategic and tactical discussions have taken center stage and become decidedly more factious.
Academic text (1994) -
In the debate about climate change, renewable energy takes center stage as a crucial solution.
-
The new exhibition at the museum features art that takes center stage, drawing the attention of many visitors.
-
During the conference, the issue of mental health took center stage, sparking important discussions among the attendees.
Synonyms
73
4.8
The most important position in an area of work or activity
51
4.3
In a place where people notice it first
48
4.5
The most important part of a plan or project
30
3.7
The main person, thing, or idea that gets most attention
29
3.2
A person or thing people notice most in a group
Antonyms
How Prominent
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'the central or most prominent area/position' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'center' (most important part) with 'stage' (performance platform). This is a straightforward noun–noun composition with clear cross-linguistic parallels, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Center stage comes from the theatre image that the middle of the stage is where an actor stands to get everyone's eyes; the center of the stage is the spot all the lights and attention go to, so the phrase means being 'most important' or getting all the 'attention'.