Question

In the Limelight at the center of attention

Accepted Answer

Mario loves to be in the limelight. Wait until he sees his picture on the front page. All theaters today have powerful electric spotlights that throw bright beams of light on featured performers. In many theaters, beginning in the 1840s, the beam was created by heating lime, a form of calcium oxide, until it produced brilliant white light. A strong lens directed it onto the dancer, juggler, actor, or singer on stage. Anyone "in the limelight" was the center of the audience's attention. Today, we say that a person who gets a lot of attention, especially from the media, is "in the limelight."

Idiom	In the Limelight
Example	Mario loves to be in the limelight. Wait until he sees his picture on the front page.
Meaning	at the center of attention
Origin	All theaters today have powerful electric spotlights that throw bright beams of light on featured performers. In many theaters, beginning in the 1840s, the beam was created by heating lime, a form of calcium oxide, until it produced brilliant white light. A strong lens directed it onto the dancer, juggler, actor, or singer on stage. Anyone "in the limelight" was the center of the audience's attention. Today, we say that a person who gets a lot of attention, especially from the media, is "in the limelight."

Limelight Center Mario Loves Wait Sees Picture Front