whatilearned
Read more: https://www.history.com/news/where-did-the-phrase-in-the-limelight-come-from
TIL the phrase “in the limelight” which refers to being the focus of attention comes from a 19th century device. Calcium oxide known as quicklime is heated in an intensely hot flame until it glows brightly. First as a surveying tool, it allowed for more accurate measurements.
3 Comments
Leave a ReplyLeave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
It didn’t become that saying until they used that lighting for theatrical stages.
Living in the limelight, the universal dream
“In the klieglight” didn’t roll off the tongue quite as nicely.