# stop the lights

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/stop-the-lights
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An interjection expressing exasperation or incredulity. or to illustrate the humour in a situation.

## Examples

- Stop the lights, you actually finished that project on time?
- Stop the lights, you are telling me the train is early for once?
- Stop the lights, I cannot believe he wore that ridiculous costume to the serious business meeting.
- Stop the lights, the tiny local bakery just won a national award for the best bread in the entire country.
- Stop the lights, I just saw my old school teacher dancing on a table at the wedding reception last night.
- Stop the lights, the sheer absurdity of the situation left the entire room in a state of stunned, laughing disbelief.

## Origin

The phrase originated as a catchphrase on the Irish television quiz show Quicksilver. Contestants who found themselves unable to provide a correct answer would call out "Stop the lights" to arrest the countdown and prevent the loss of prize money accrued for subsequent questions. Over time, the desperate plea of the stumped participant migrated from the studio floor into the general lexicon as an expression of astonishment.

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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.