rise to the occasion, understudy

rise to the occasion

Show unexpected skill in dealing with a difficulty that arises, as in The leading man broke his leg in the first act but his understudy rose to the occasion and was rewarded with excellent reviews. [Mid-1800s]


Mr. Whitacre announced his retirement at a shareholders' meeting this morning in San Antonio, Texas, the company's hometown. His loyal understudy, Randall Stephenson, AT&T's chief operating officer, will take his place.

under・study

━━ v. 【劇】代役（のけいこ）をする.
━━ n. 【劇】（臨時）代役俳優.
understudy training　【労働】実地修習, 実務訓練 ((上位職務・作業への異動を念頭に行われる職務訓練)).
v., -ied, -y·ing, -ies. v.tr.

1. To study or know (a role) so as to be able to replace the regular performer when required.
2. To act as an understudy to.

v.intr.

To be engaged in studying a role so as to be able to replace the regular performer when required.

n., pl. -ies.

1. A performer who understudies.
2. A person trained to do the work of another.