spotlight

Everyday

1. A spotlight is a strong lamp that shines a narrow, bright beam onto one person or area, especially on a stage. tree →
2. «In the spotlight» means getting a lot of attention from people or the news. tree →
3. (verb) To spotlight something means to shine a light on it or to draw special attention to it. tree →

In the lessons

In drama and the school play, the spotlight shows the audience where to look. In science, a spotlight is an example of light travelling in straight lines and making a bright circle. In everyday life and the news, someone «in the spotlight» is being watched and talked about, which can feel exciting or stressful. Phrases: «in the spotlight», «steal the spotlight», «shine the spotlight on», «out of the spotlight».

Examples

• The spotlight followed Mia as she sang her solo. tree →
• The caretaker fixed the broken spotlight in the hall. tree →
• After winning the spelling bee, Sam was in the spotlight all week. tree →
• The dog ran onto the stage and stole the spotlight. tree →
• Our assembly spotlighted pupils who help others. tree →
• The famous singer wanted a quiet life out of the spotlight. tree →
• We used a torch as a spotlight for our shadow puppets. tree →

Note

Countable noun: a spotlight, two spotlights; «the spotlight» for public attention. Past of the verb: «spotlighted» or «spotlit». It is one word, not «spot light».