Lightning is fascinating and so are the idioms that use this powerful natural phenomenon. In English, there are many sayings that include the word “lightning” or relate to it. These idioms can add excitement and color to our conversations. Let’s explore some of these electrifying expressions!
Lightning Idioms
Here are 20 lightning idioms in English.
- Lightning fast
Meaning: Very quick
Example: He ran lightning fast to catch the bus. - Like lightning
Meaning: Extremely quick or sudden
Example: She answered the question like lightning. - Greased lightning
Meaning: Something moving very fast
Example: The new sports car is greased lightning. - Lightning strikes
Meaning: A sudden, unexpected event
Example: His invention was a success, like lightning strikes. - A bolt from the blue
Meaning: A great surprise
Example: His sudden resignation was a bolt from the blue. - Catch lightning in a bottle
Meaning: Capture something amazing
Example: They caught lightning in a bottle with that discovery. - Lightning rod
Meaning: A person who attracts controversy
Example: He became a lightning rod for criticism. - Lightning never strikes twice
Meaning: The same rare event won’t happen again
Example: Don’t worry, lightning never strikes twice. - To be struck by lightning
Meaning: To experience a sudden shock
Example: I was struck by lightning when I heard the news. - Ride the lightning
Meaning: To take a dangerous risk
Example: He decided to ride the lightning with his new venture. - Steal someone’s thunder
Meaning: To take credit for another’s ideas
Example: She stole my thunder during the meeting. - Lightning war
Meaning: A swift, intensive military attack
Example: The blitzkrieg was a type of lightning war. - Lightning bug
Meaning: A beetle that emits light
Example: Children love catching lightning bugs. - Flash like lightning
Meaning: Appear suddenly and brightly
Example: His smile flashed like lightning across his face. - Under the lightning
Meaning: In a state of rapid, intense activity
Example: The team worked under the lightning to meet the deadline. - Chain lightning
Meaning: A series of quick, powerful events
Example: The news hit him like chain lightning. - Faster than lightning
Meaning: Extremely fast
Example: Her mind works faster than lightning. - Lightning reflexes
Meaning: Very fast reactions
Example: You need lightning reflexes to play professional ping pong. - Lightning tour
Meaning: A very quick tour
Example: We did a lightning tour of the museum. - Lightning conductor
Meaning: A device or person that directs energy or attention
Example: He acted as the lightning conductor in the debates.
