Upstage

To upstage primarily means to draw attention away from someone else on stage, in a film, or in any other situation where a focus of attention is expected. It often involves overshadowing someone, either intentionally or unintentionally, by performing in a more captivating way or by simply being more noticeable. The word implies a shift in focus, where the original subject is diminished in significance, thus resulting in a less favorable outcome for them. Beyond the theatrical context, the word can also denote social behaviors where one person attempts to gain an advantage or impress others at the expense of another. This can involve boasting, showing off, or trying to make another person look foolish. Often, there is a desire to be seen as superior or more important.

Upstage meaning with examples

• During the play's climax, the supporting actress's dramatic reaction to a crucial plot point upstaged the lead actor's monologue. Her sudden outburst, filled with raw emotion, grabbed the audience's attention. All eyes became fixed on her, and the leading actors lines were nearly lost. Though the actress was not intentionally trying to do so, this created a problem for the director, leading to a need for adjustments during the play's future performances.
• In the interview, the interviewee's flamboyant attire and witty responses inadvertently upstaged the journalist. Although the journalist attempted to maintain control of the conversation, the interviewee's charismatic personality and visual presence made it hard for the audience to focus on what the journalist had prepared. The entire audience gave more interest to the guest of the show than the journalist.
• During the corporate presentation, the intern, not realizing his mistake, accidentally upstaged his manager by revealing confidential information that the manager had planned to unveil at a later stage. The manager's original intention was to unveil this secret to the management board, and the intern's actions completely derailed the presentation, leading to embarrassment and potential repercussions for the intern.
• The celebrity's dramatic entrance at the awards ceremony, complete with a dazzling gown and entourage, upstaged the other nominees, who appeared comparatively understated. Her exaggerated showmanship, intended or otherwise, shifted the focus from the nominations and accomplishments to her elaborate presentation and attire. It quickly turned into a spectacle, thus, diminishing the significance of the actual awards.