ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bright and early

idiom
Meaning

(Very) early in the morning.


Origin

disputed origin

From bright (“in a bright manner: in good spirits; cheerfully, vivaciously”) + and + early.

Examples
SIMPLE

We need to leave bright and early tomorrow morning.

CONTEXTUAL

To beat the heavy holiday traffic, we decided to start our long road trip bright and early.

COMPLEX

The hikers rose bright and early, eager to reach the mountain summit before the afternoon clouds obscured the view.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    be a hundred years too early

    To be so immature and unprepared as to have no hope of achieving an accomplishment.

  2. 02

    bright lights

    The glamour and glitz of a place, especially a big city.

  3. 03

    bright line

    A clear distinction in the context of a legal, moral, ethical, or analytical judgment.

  4. 04

    bright side

    A consoling aspect of a difficult situation.

  5. 05

    bright spark

    A person who is intelligent, clever or quick-witted.

  6. 06

    bright young thing

    One who is youthful, clever, eager, and high-spirited in manner and attractive in appearance.

  7. 07

    call it an early night

    To go to bed or cease one's activities earlier in the evening than usual.

  8. 08

    Christmas come early

    Something very delightful or fortunate that is happening or has happened, especially earlier than expected.

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