upstage

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the rear part of the stage
  2. verb treat snobbishly, put in one's place
  3. verb move upstage, forcing the other actors to turn away from the audience

Etymology

From up- + stage. The figurative uses “haughty” and “to draw attention away” derive from actors moving to a higher and thus more visible position on a sloped stage.

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