Idioms

in the spotlight

Also found in: Acronyms.

in the spotlight

1. Literally positioned in a beam of light, typically while performing onstage. The director assured me that I would be in the spotlight for my solo. No, I'm not trying out for the talent show—I don't want to be in the spotlight! Will you go onstage and read my poem for me? I really hate being in the spotlight.
2. The center of attention. My sister loves being in the spotlight, but I get really nervous on stage. Once news of this scandal breaks, our company will be in the spotlight for months. That senator seems to have no problem being in the spotlight, even if it's for negative reasons.
See also: spotlight
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

in the spotlight

 
1. Fig. in the beam of a spotlight, as on a stage. The singer was in the spotlight but the band was almost in the dark.
2. and in the limelight Fig. at the center of attention. (Limelight refers to an obsolete type of spotlight, and the word occurs only in this phrase.) John will do almost anything to get himself into the limelight. I love being in the spotlight. All elected officials spend a lot of time in the limelight.
See also: spotlight
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

in/under the ˈspotlight

getting attention from newspapers, television and the public: Unemployment has once again come under the spotlight. ♢ He’s a shy man, who really doesn’t enjoy being in the spotlight.
See also: spotlight
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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References in periodicals archive
Now the whole city knows how it feels to be in the spotlight.
Life in the spotlight often carries with it the twin curses of expectancy and responsibility.
Officially the title is for 2008 and so from now until then the city and the people within it will be in the spotlight. When Jeremy Isaacs summed up why his commit-tee of judges chose Liverpool, he added the caveat that now the hard work really beg ins.
The award is fantastic news,but being in the spotlight, together with human nature,means that there will be quite a few people out there ready to snipe.
Phil Redmond: The hard work starts here
"He is very much in the spotlight but he is in the right place and with the right manager there in Sir Alex Ferguson.
Football : HUGHES: I FEEL FOR ROONEY
We could still retain and enjoy the thrilling rough and tumble physical aspect of our national sport without the cheating side.Not only would their on-field behaviour be in the spotlight, but so would their opponents.
Letter: No cheating
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