Ever hear the
expression: 'steal your thunder'?
Perhaps it has to do with
the god of thunder, Thor, Thrym, and Loki. Thrym stole Thor's hammer that
created thunder. Then Thor sent Loki to get it back from Thrym. But various
sources say this term is used when someone takes credit for something but the
work is done by you. Someone 'steals your
thunder' when they use your ideas or inventions to their own advantage.
Devices that produce the sound of
thunder have been called on in theatrical productions for centuries. The
methods used include - rolling metal balls down troughs, grinding lead shot in
bowls, shaking sheets of thin metal. The latter device, called a thunder sheet,
is still in use today.
In 1704, playwright, John Dennis invented a new method of
creating the sound of thunder for the production of his own play, Appius and Virginia. Dennis's experience was the source of this attractive little
phrase.
The play was not a
success and was soon taken off in favor of a production of Macbeth.
On opening night, Dennis was astonished to hear his
thunder machine being used. His
response: "Damn
them! They will not let my play run, but they steal my thunder."
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