# leading light

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/leading-light
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An acclaimed expert, one of the foremost experts, a luminary.

## Examples

- She is a leading light in the field of modern physics.
- As a leading light in the local arts community, he organizes many events to help young painters.
- The university invited the leading light of environmental science to deliver a keynote address regarding the future of global sustainability.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.