Imagine sitting by a cozy fireplace, reading your favorite book under the soft glow of a lamp, or expressing a bright idea during a meeting. All of these scenarios have something to do with ‘light’, right? The concept of light, both literal and metaphorical, is ubiquitous in the English language. And guess what? It becomes even more interesting and versatile when used in collocations! This topic helps us in real life because it enables us to describe different aspects of light, illuminating our conversations, and writings in a way you may not have considered before. Curious to know how?
Let’s delve into 37 fascinating collocations related to light:
1. Bright idea: A clever thought or plan.
Example: Mary had a bright idea to solve the issue.
2. Shed light on: To clarify or provide more information about something.
Example: The investigation will shed light on the issue.
3. Light-hearted: Cheerful and carefree.
Example: The party had a light-hearted atmosphere.
4. Light sleeper: Someone who wakes up easily.
Example: I’m such a light sleeper that even the slightest noise wakes me.
5. See the light: To understand something clearly.
Example: After reading the explanation, I finally saw the light.
6. Come to light: Become known or apparent.
Example: Several new facts have come to light.
7. Light touch: A gentle way of doing something.
Example: The nurse had a light touch when giving injections.
8. Light as a feather: Extremely light or delicate.
Example: The new smartphone model is light as a feather.
9. Travel light: To bring very few things with you when you go on a trip.
Example: I always travel light so it’s easier to move around.
10. Light at the end of the tunnel: The prospect of success, relief, or escape after strenuous effort.
Example: After weeks of hard work, I finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel.
11. In a good/bad light: In a favorable or unfavorable way.
Example: The article portrays him in a good light.
12. Make light of: To treat something as unimportant.
Example: You shouldn’t make light of this serious situation.
13. Out like a light: To fall asleep very quickly.
Example: After the long journey, I was out like a light.
14. Light years ahead: Far more advanced or superior.
Example: In terms of technology, they’re light years ahead.
15. Light on your feet: Able to move quickly and easily.
Example: The ballet dancer was light on her feet.
16. Light the way: To guide or lead the way.
Example: The lanterns lit the way through the dark woods.
17. Cast light on: To help to explain by providing further information.
Example: The study cast light on the causes of the disease.
18. Light the fuse: To do something that will cause a lot of problems or excitement.
Example: His comments lit the fuse of an intense debate.
19. Light of my life: Someone very important in your life.
Example: My daughter is the light of my life.
20. Light-fingered: Tending to steal things.
Example: He was sacked for being light-fingered.
21. Green light: Permission to proceed with a project or action.
Example: We’ve got the green light to start the new initiative.
22. In the cold light of day: When considered calmly and objectively.
Example: In the cold light of day, his decision seemed less sensible.
23. Light on the horizon: A sign that a long period of difficulty is ending.
Example: The vaccine is a light on the horizon in the fight against the virus.
24. Take a dim view: To disapprove.
Example: His boss took a dim view of his constant tardiness.
25. Guiding light: Someone who is a positive influence and helps you in life.
Example: My teacher is my guiding light, always showing me the right path.
26. Light-headed: Feeling dizzy and slightly faint.
Example: He felt light-headed from the medication.
27. Red light district: An area of a city where there is a lot of prostitution.
Example: The red light district is not a safe place to be at night.
28. First light: The first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise.
Example: We will start our journey at first light.
29. Throw light on: To make a problem, etc. easier to understand.
Example: This meeting should throw light on the issues we’ve been facing.
30. Light a fire under someone: To urge or motivate someone to start moving or working.
Example: The deadline really lit a fire under us.
31. A leading light: An important and respected figure within a particular field.
Example: She is a leading light in the field of neuroscience.
32. Give the green light: To give permission for someone to do something.
Example: The city council has given the green light for the construction of the new museum.
33. The harsh/cold/stark light of day: If something is considered in the harsh light of day, it is examined without any attempt to hide the unpleasant aspects.
Example: The company’s financial situation, in the harsh light of day, is not good.
34. Flicker of hope/light: A small sign of hope or happiness.
Example: There’s a flicker of hope that he’ll recover soon.
35. Light a spark: To start a process or event, typically one that is associated with a rapid or dramatic course of action.
Example: Her inspiring speech lit a spark in all of us.
36. In broad daylight: If something happens in broad daylight, it happens during the day, when it could have been seen and therefore prevented.
Example: The robbery took place in broad daylight.
37. Flash of inspiration/light: A sudden good idea.
Example: I had a flash of inspiration and finally solved the puzzle.
Knowing these collocations related to light will not only enrich your vocabulary but also illuminate your conversation skills, adding more depth and color. Practice using them, and they will naturally blend into your everyday language use. The world of English is as vast as it is bright, and every new phrase you learn lights up a little more of it.
