English Reference
Idiom idiom

strike a light


To create a flame (using a match, flint, etc.).

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

I need to strike a light to start the campfire.

CONTEXTUAL

It was too dark to see the path, so he stopped to strike a light with his matchbox.

COMPLEX

As the storm intensified, she struggled to strike a light against the damp flint to illuminate the cabin.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    amber light

    Hesitance to proceed; limited approval or permission to proceed.

  2. 02

    bright lights

    The glamour and glitz of a place, especially a big city.

  3. 03

    bring to light

    To expose, disclose or reveal something that was hidden or unknown.

  4. 04

    come to light

    To become known; to be revealed.

  5. 05

    false light

    A point of view resulting in a misleading or inaccurate representation of a person, situation, or fact.

  6. 06

    give a light

    To care.

  7. 07

    green light

    Approval, or permission to proceed.

  8. 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 August 10, 2026