My boss really lit into me for being late.
light into
idiomTo set upon or attack.
Origin
disputed originPhrasal verb from light (“to get down, drop, come”, verb) + into (“against”, preposition).
When the team lost the game, the coach lit into the players for their lack of effort.
After discovering the unauthorized changes to the project, the director lit into the staff with a sharp and unforgiving critique of their performance.
- 01
amber light
Hesitance to proceed; limited approval or permission to proceed.
- 02
bright lights
The glamour and glitz of a place, especially a big city.
- 03
bring to light
To expose, disclose or reveal something that was hidden or unknown.
- 04
come to light
To become known; to be revealed.
- 05
false light
A point of view resulting in a misleading or inaccurate representation of a person, situation, or fact.
- 06
give a light
To care.
- 07
green light
Approval, or permission to proceed.
- 08
hide one's light under a bushel
To conceal one's positive qualities or talents, especially due to modesty or shyness; to avoid attention.
Last updated April 17, 2026