Capturing that kind of success is like catching lightning in a bottle.
lightning in a bottle
idiomThat which one seeks in attempting a difficult or challenging feat.
Origin
first recorded 20th c.Originally (19th century) a literal reference to Benjamin Franklin’s kite experiment, capturing electricity from lightning and storing it in a Leyden jar, along with variants such as bottled lightning. Later used in baseball context in sense “difficult feat”, from circa 1941, attributed to Leo Durocher. Wider use grew in 1980s and 1990s, particularly in sense “great, fleeting success”, and popular since 2000s.
The director knew that recreating the magic of his first film would be like catching lightning in a bottle.
The startup founder understood that replicating the viral growth of their initial product was akin to catching lightning in a bottle, yet he remained determined to try.
- 01
bottle away
To store up or stock up.
- 02
bottle up
To keep suppressed and hidden.
- 03
hit the bottle
To drink alcohol steadily and in excess, particularly in response to a setback.
- 04
lightning fast
Extremely fast, fast as lightning.
- 05
lightning strike
A (sometimes unofficial) strike by workers with little or no warning.
- 06
lose one's bottle
To lose courage and determination.
- 07
new wine in an old bottle
A significant change introduced to an entrenched system or method.
- 08
old wine in a new bottle
An existing concept or institution offered as though it were a new one.