Behind the scenes

Which of these everyday phrases from the showbiz world do you use?

Credit: Kyle Head

Show business has a way of slipping into our everyday conversations without us even realizing it. And there’s a reason: nothing captures the drama, fun, or urgency in life quite like actors and their lingo. For those of us with a little more life experience, these phrases might even bring a smile or a memory. Let’s take a closer look at 10 classic showbiz expressions that have made their way into our everyday vocabulary. Ready for your close-up?

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Resilience in a few words: no matter what life throws at us, the show must go on. How many times have you said that?

Originally, this expression came from the world of performance, where, no matter the mishap or problem, performers kept it going.

In real life, we tend to use it to encourage others to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. A little rain can’t cancel a parade, right? This is not exclusive to performers; we’ve all had to perfect our perseverance!

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Are you chill and easygoing, or are you the bossy type? Depending on your answer, you’ll connect with this expression. To "run the show" means you’re the one calling the shots. Why? Well, think of the director’s role: they are the ones making the calls, and they have the final say in everything.

And what about everyday life? You probably know that person who is always in charge of making family gatherings happen, taking control of the food, the drinks, and the music. If you don’t know them, you’re probably the one doing it! We won’t deny it—running the show is fun and empowering, and it feels good to be that go-to person. Just don’t forget to delegate!

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Can you think of the last wedding you attended, with everyone from your high school friends to your dearest cousins? Well, you’ve got yourself a star-studded event! Can you guess what that means?

Coming from Hollywood and the red carpet world, when something is "star-studded," it means all the big names are out in full force. Of course, in the industry that’s all about red carpet premieres and award shows, we’re talking about celebrities. But in our lives, it could be a memorable party or a big celebration with all our favorite people. In short, it’s all about who is in that room and making everyone feel like a star.

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If a place is full of stars (or star wannabes, for that matter), there is always someone trying to be the center of attention or becoming so without any intention whatsoever. And that happens in every circle, right?

The phrase "steal the show" refers to someone or something that grabs all the attention, even if they weren’t meant to. This phrase can apply to anything from a spontaneous speech at a family gathering to a pet making an unscheduled appearance during a Zoom call. It’s usually someone or something delightful that pulls focus. And let’s be honest, sometimes that unplanned star is the best part of the show!

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Some projects demand a thorough plan, calculated steps, and well-thought-out decisions. But at some point, every project demands that we get the show on the road too. If you’ve ever heard someone say "Let’s get the show on the road," they’re telling you it’s time to stop planning and start doing!

The world of acting and performing has always been related to traveling. Companies take their shows to different places and stages, and that is where this expression most likely comes from—traveling performers who needed to pack up and move on to the next town.

These days, it’s often used when we’re about to embark on a new project or adventure. It refers to that point when we just have to dive in and figure things out along the way.

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This phrase does not come from the drama world but from the sports world, though it’s fairly common in show business too. Because getting things started is necessary in every field, right?

When you "kick something off," you get the ball rolling, starting something with energy and purpose. For example, at a family reunion, someone might say, "Let’s kick this off with a toast!" And then a joyful dinner unfolds.

A good kick-off helps set the stage for everything that follows, giving a positive tone to the day or event. After all, how you start often shapes how things end, don’t you think?

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This expression is quite common among young people who are always talking about a new interest they picked up thanks to a TikTok video, where things get "hyped" every day.

When something has been "hyped up," the expectations can really be sky-high. It can refer to anything—a new movie, restaurant, concert, Amazon product, or whatever!

People talk it up so much that it becomes almost impossible for the real thing to meet all those hopes. If it does, great! But more often than not, it’s tough to "live up to the hype." The buildup makes it hard for reality to match our excitement. The trick? Keep an open mind, and you might just be pleasantly surprised!

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This one you know. We all do, because it has become so popular that it no longer belongs exclusively to the showbiz world. We use it with our sons when they face an exam or with that friend who is about to go into a job interview.

"Break a leg" is a funny thing to say when you actually want someone to have good luck. In showbiz, wishing someone "good luck" was considered a jinx, so this odd phrase became the way to wish someone well without tempting fate.

Of course, nobody wants anyone to really break a leg—quite the opposite, indeed! Everyone could use a bit of good luck, and here’s the perfect way to wish for it.

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This is closely related to "stealing the show" or, better said, it’s a consequence of it. When you steal the show, you are "in the limelight." So, you can imagine what it means.

To be "in the limelight" means you’re the center of attention, whether you want to be or not! The term comes from the old days of theater, where a special lime-based light was used to highlight the main performer on stage.

These days, we use it to describe anyone in the public eye, from celebrities to people suddenly thrust into the spotlight. And this can go both ways: it can be either a blessing or a curse. Even if you get your ten seconds of fame, not everyone wants to be in the spotlight all the time!

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To close things up, let’s take the perspective of someone who wishes they were under the spotlight all the time, in every scenario. That person "craves the limelight." Because some people don’t just end up in the limelight—they crave it!

If you "crave the limelight," you actively seek attention and love being the center of it all. These are the folks who enjoy being on stage, making speeches, or just being the life of every party.

We’re not the ones to judge—there’s nothing wrong with a little attention. But when someone constantly seeks the limelight, it can become a bit much for those around them. You know, all in the right measure!

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The 10 Most Charming Town Squares in Europe to Visit

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No matter where you travel, town squares are the first places you should visit. Often considered the beating heart of a city, these piazzas are responsible for bringing together social life. Festivals, markets, political rallies, and other important events take place in town squares. Since the history of Europe is particularly rich, it’s fascinating to learn about its public spaces, which are sources of knowledge, culture, and entertainment even today. If you are interested in the hidden gems of the most significant cities of the Old Continent, join us to discover 10 dreamy European town squares worth visiting.

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Piazza San Marco, located in the center of Venice, is the most important public square in the city. It is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world—so much so that it’s said Napoleon Bonaparte once described it as "the drawing room of Europe."

Its construction began in the ninth century, and it is trapezoid-shaped. Situated in the lowest area of Venice, it is easily flooded during acqua alta ("high water"). The square is dedicated to the evangelist Mark, the patron saint of Venice—hence the name—and houses some of the most impressive buildings in the city, such as the Doge's Palace, the Basilica, and the Bell Tower of St. Mark.

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Hősök tere, which translates into English as "Heroes' Square," is one of the most important historical and cultural sites in Budapest. Its construction began in 1896 to celebrate the millennium of the foundation of the Hungarian state. This landmark features 7 equestrian statues of Magyar chieftains who played a decisive role in the country's history.

These sculptures, in turn, are crowned by an impressive Corinthian column 118 feet high, and topped by the Archangel Gabriel, who raises the Holy Crown and the double cross of Christianity. This sculptural composition, also known as the Millennium Monument, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.

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One of the most beautiful and popular places in Bordeaux is the Place de la Bourse ("Stock Exchange Square"), both for its historical and architectural significance. Framed by majestic facades, the former royal square was built between 1730 and 1775, following the design of one of the most renowned architects of the time, Ange-Jacques Gabriel.

In addition to being surrounded by important buildings, such as the town hall, the Place de la Bourse features the Miroir d'eau ("mirror of water"), a favorite spot for both tourists and locals alike. Listed as a contemporary world heritage site, this spectacular piece alternates extraordinary mirror and fog effects, which no one can resist taking pictures of.

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Many argue that Grote Markt ("Big Market" in English) is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. No wonder! The ornamental charm of the buildings, along with its paving covered by the typical Brussels cobblestones, makes it a unique place. Need more evidence? In 1998, UNESCO designated Grote Markt as a World Heritage Site.

With Gothic, Baroque, Neo-gothic, and Neoclassical designs, the walls of this square, located in the center of the Belgian capital, conceal a lot of history. Its construction began in the 11th century and its strategic location soon turned it into an important trading point. In the 17th century, during the Nine Years' War, the square was partially destroyed. In the following years, the facades were rebuilt, and since then it has been carefully protected due to its high heritage value.

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"Gentlemen, I knew this was beautiful, but not this much." This is what King Alfonso XIII allegedly said when he visited the Plaza de España ("Spain Square," in English) during its construction. In 1929, the government commissioned a national pavilion as a symbol of the ties between Spain, its former colonies, and Portugal. That’s why the building represents, with its curved shape, the country's embrace of its former American territories.

Spanning more than 490,000 sq ft, this plaza in Seville is full of curiosities and symbolism, such as historical scenes, maps, and regional coats of arms. But probably the most intriguing fact about Plaza de España is that it was declared a Treasure of European Film Culture and has been a film set for mythical movies such as Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.

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Ever since Henry the Lion founded the city in 1158, Marienplatz has been the center and soul of Munich. It has been the site of important public events and festivities, from tournaments and markets to executions. Today, it is surrounded by important buildings such as the Old and New Town Halls.

Originally, the square was called Schrannenplatz ("Grain Market square") but was renamed Marienplatz ("St. Mary's square") after a monument dedicated to the Virgin Mary was erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation.

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Located in the historic and commercial center of Lisbon and open to the Tagus River, Praça do Comércio ("Commerce Square") is one of the most important symbols of the Portuguese capital. It was formerly called Terreiro do Paço ("Palace Yard"), since this is where the Royal Palace used to be.

After the terrible earthquake of 1755, the Marquis of Pombal decided to rebuild the square in the shape of a "U," with three large arcaded buildings that now house government agencies, the main tourist office, and some restaurants and cafes, including the Martinho da Arcada. This bar is the oldest in the city—founded in 1782—and was once frequented by prominent intellectuals, such as the famous Portuguese author Fernando Pessoa.

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Rynek Główny ("Main Market" in English), built in 1257, is the heart of Cracovia and holds an important historical, cultural, and social significance. Surrounded by historic townhouses, churches, and palaces, it is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe and is the main meeting point for locals and tourists.

Perhaps its most outstanding attractions are its traditional carriages, flower stalls, and pigeons, which, according to the legend, are knights turned into birds. It is also delightful to visit this square before Christmas or Easter when traditional markets are held in celebration of Rynek Główny’s commercial past.

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Raekoja Plats, or Town Hall Square in English, is the neuralgic center of Tallinn’s Old Town. As its name suggests, this square is dominated by the Town Hall building, the oldest of its kind in the Baltic countries and Scandinavia—and the only Gothic-style town hall still standing in all of northern Europe!

Another notable attraction in Raekoja Plats is Raeapteek, one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. Although no one knows exactly when it opened, there are records dating back to at least 1422.

Raekoja Plats changes a lot depending on the season. In summer, it hosts festivals like Tallinn Old Town Days, while in winter, you can visit the Christmas Market and enjoy a nice cup of glögg, a traditional Estonian mulled wine.

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Although it’s not as old as other squares on this list, Trafalgar Square is one of the most relevant landmarks in London. It was inaugurated in 1844 to commemorate the victory of the British Navy in the Battle of Trafalgar and is now a must-see attraction for more than 30 million tourists each year. Owned by the Crown, this square is a patriotic symbol surrounded by bronze statues of several prominent figures, including George Washington.

Originally designed by the famous architect John Nash, Trafalgar Square has been a gathering place for celebrations and political rallies. If you visit it today, you’ll find hints of British culture and history, such as the majestic National Gallery and the Anglican church of St Martin-in-the-Fields.