(one's) day in the sun

A brief period of time in which one is or has been particularly successful, popular, famous, etc., especially when set against an otherwise moderate or unremarkable life. After 35 years in this one-horse town, all I want is my day in the sun, a time when the whole world knows and loves me! Jonathan had his day in the sun when one of his videos went viral on the Internet and, for a little while at least, he became a household name. I don't need my day in the sun, thanks. I see what fame does to celebrities.