On this show we explore words and expressions in American English . We sometimes explain where they come from . Today we talk about that huge , burning star in the sky – the sun ! If you spend all day out in the sun without proper protection , you might get sunburned . But other than that , spending time outdoors in the sun can be a wonderful thing . To feel the sun's rays on your face can feel really good especially for those who have been inside for long periods of time . And that brings us to today's expression -- to have your day in the sun . We use it a couple of different ways . When you have your day in the sun , you have achieved the highest possible level of success . You are at your peak . You are having a heyday . You are at your pinnacle or zenith of success . These words are all synonyms : They mean nearly the same . In terms of meaning a period of success , to have a day in the sun can be more specific . Sometimes these periods of time are much shorter than a day . They last for only a moment . So , with this expression , you can also say “a moment in the sun .” For example , recently many people found their moment in the sun by sharing funny videos on YouTube or Tik Tok . Sometimes when we use this expression , we do not specify the amount of time . We simply say , “to have your time in the sun .” This usually means the person is young or successful . For example , once a young man was very successful as a music producer . He was so successful that many people became jealous . But he had worked hard for it . And now , it was simply his time in the sun . Now , let's hear this expression used in a short conversation . Hey , did you hear the news ? Clara is moving to Chicago ! She just accepted a job as vice president for a Fortune 500 company . That IS big news ! Good for her . She has been working hard for years now . It's time she had her moment in the sun . I think it's going to be longer than a moment . She has always been very ambitious . Everyone should have their moment in the sun . American artist Andy Warhol famously said that everyone has 15 minutes of fame . Those 15 minutes would be their moments to shine . They would be their moments in the sun . I hope all of our listeners have their day in the sun .