Showstopper
Meaning: A performance, moment, or person so impressive that it metaphorically 'stops the show' — everyone is stunned.
Originally from theater, where a performance so amazing would cause the audience to erupt in applause, literally stopping the show. Now used broadly for anything jaw-droppingly impressive — a dress, a speech, a meal, a person.
Examples
- Her solo in the second act was a total showstopper. 她在第二幕的独唱完全是个showstopper。Su solo en el segundo acto fue un auténtico showstopper.第二幕の彼女のソロは完全にshowstopperだった。2막에서 그녀의 솔로는 완전히 showstopper였다.
- That red dress was a showstopper at the gala. 那条红裙子在晚宴上惊艳全场。Ese vestido rojo fue un showstopper en la gala.あの赤いドレスはガラパーティーでshowstopperだった。그 빨간 드레스는 갈라 파티에서 showstopper였다.
- The halftime performance was the real showstopper of the Super Bowl. 中场表演才是超级碗真正的showstopper。La actuación del descanso fue el verdadero showstopper del Super Bowl.ハーフタイムのパフォーマンスがスーパーボウルの真のshowstopperだった。하프타임 공연이 슈퍼볼의 진정한 showstopper였다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: performances, fashion, events, compliments
Tone: impressed, admiring
✓ Do Say
- That performance was a showstopper.那场表演简直是showstopper。Esa actuación fue un showstopper.あのパフォーマンスはshowstopperだった。그 공연은 showstopper였어.
- She looked like a showstopper.她看起来惊艳全场。Estaba espectacular, un auténtico showstopper.彼女はshowstopperみたいだった。그녀는 showstopper 같았어.
✗ Don't Say
- Don't use for mildly good things — showstopper implies jaw-dropping impact不要用于只是还不错的事物——showstopper意味着令人瞠目结舌的震撼效果No lo uses para cosas solo moderadamente buenas — showstopper implica un impacto que deja sin alientoまあまあ良いものには使わないこと——showstopperは息を呑むほどのインパクトを暗示する그저 괜찮은 것에는 사용하지 말 것 — showstopper는 입이 떡 벌어질 정도의 임팩트를 의미한다
Origin & History
From Broadway theater, where a particularly powerful musical number would receive such prolonged applause that the show had to pause. The term dates to the early 20th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Early 20th century Broadway
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from Music & Entertainment
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free