# light-bulb moment

idiom

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

## Meaning

A moment of enlightenment, inspiration or sudden realization.

## Examples

- I had a light-bulb moment while I was washing the dishes.
- After staring at the math problem for an hour, she had a light-bulb moment and finally understood the solution.
- The scientist experienced a sudden light-bulb moment that allowed her to connect the disparate data points and solve the mystery of the experiment.

## Origin

From light bulb + moment.

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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.