a brilliant match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brilliant match" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, event, or pairing that is exceptionally well-suited or harmonious. Example: "The two players on the team have such great chemistry; it's truly a brilliant match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

What a brilliant match it's been.

The Guardian - Sport

The New York World called it a "brilliant match".

The New York Times

This has been a brilliant match so far.

The Guardian - Sport

Riesling, of course, is a brilliant match, particularly dry versions from Austria, Alsace or Germany.

The New York Times - Food

He's had a brilliant match today, although perhaps should have scored more than one goal.

The Guardian - Sport

But although this is a brilliant match, the herb doesn't have to be basil.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Filip Holoskos' second put the Sky Blues level with three minutes remaining, but straight from the restart, the Roar conjured up a brilliant match-winner.

The Guardian - Sport

Sarah Taylor fulfilled the pre-tournament prediction of her captain Charlotte Edwards, that she could lead England's women to World Twenty20 glory with a brilliant match-winning innings against Australia in Galle.

The Guardian - Sport

Jonathan Trott exemplifies sheer determination and of course Kevin Pietersen is quite capable of a brilliant match-winning innings.

BBC

Sheamus (c) defeated Cesaro - United States Championship Match A technically brilliant match saw a jaw-dropping clothesline from Cesaro, but ultimately Sheamus triumphed with a Brogue Kick.

Independent

It's been a quite brilliant match so far with both players giving their all, and it's still anyone's guess who will emerge on top.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a brilliant match" when you want to communicate that something is not just good, but outstanding in its suitability or effect.

Common error

While "a brilliant match" is a vivid expression, avoid overusing it within a single piece of writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "ideal combination" or "perfect fit" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brilliant match" functions as a descriptive expression, typically used to positively characterize a pairing, combination, or relationship. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it's frequently employed in contexts ranging from sports to culinary arts to describe exceptionally well-suited elements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Food

29%

Lifestyle

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brilliant match" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, serving as a descriptive expression that conveys strong approval and highlights exceptional suitability. As indicated by Ludwig, it's commonly used in news, lifestyle and food contexts and, while not overly formal, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it versatile for a wide range of writing scenarios. While "a brilliant match" is a powerful phrase, remember to use alternatives to avoid repetition and keep your writing engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a perfect fit

This alternative emphasizes the ideal compatibility between two or more things.

an ideal combination

This phrase highlights the advantageous nature of combining elements.

a superb pairing

Similar to "a brilliant match", but places more emphasis on the act of pairing things together.

an excellent choice

This focuses on the quality of the selection in relation to the specific object

a winning formula

Suggests that the combination is very likely to be successful.

a harmonious blend

Emphasizes the pleasant and balanced nature of the combination.

a stroke of genius

Implies that the combination was the result of great intelligence or creativity.

a clever solution

Focuses on the intelligence and effectiveness of a solution, in particular for problems.

a strategic alliance

Implies a tactical agreement for mutual benefit, often in business or politics.

a successful collaboration

Highlights the cooperative aspect and positive outcome of working together.

FAQs

How can I use "a brilliant match" in a sentence?

You can use "a brilliant match" to describe things that complement each other exceptionally well. For example, "The chef's choice of herbs was "a brilliant match" for the delicate fish".

What are some alternatives to "a brilliant match"?

You can use alternatives like "a perfect fit", "an ideal combination", or "a superb pairing" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a brilliant match"?

While "a brilliant match" is generally positive, it's best suited for situations where there's a sense of delight or exceptional quality in the pairing. In more neutral contexts, "a good combination" might be more fitting.

What's the difference between "a brilliant match" and "a successful combination"?

"A brilliant match" suggests not only success but also an element of exceptional quality or perfect suitability. "A successful combination" simply implies that the pairing achieved its intended outcome.