a flash of insight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flash of insight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and clear understanding or realization about something. Example: "After hours of struggling with the problem, she finally experienced a flash of insight that led her to the solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

In a flash of insight, the BBC snapped it up before it was hot.

The Guardian

And at a moment when she fears she has lost her husband, she shows a flash of insight.

The New York Times

It came about, Umansky told me, after a flash of insight at a brainstorming meeting last fall.

The New Yorker

Brain workers dither for ages but then are struck by a flash of insight or a burst of creativity.

The Economist

Sitting on his bed in a Ramada Inn, watching golf on TV, he had a flash of insight: why not start a P.G.A. of bass fishing!

The New York Times - Books

The turning point came in the late '20s, when a lowly negative cutter for Paramount named Hazel Marshall had a flash of insight.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

All it will take is a flash of engineering insight, some financial backing and the right kind of economic incentives - which is where the X-Prize comes in.

The Guardian

A couple of times, McDonnell sums up the story so far for a woman who seems to be having trouble following it, and yet from this same woman there later comes a flash of psychological insight.

Independent

Square claims McKelvey, who is a software engineer and glass blower, in February 2009, in "a flash of inventive insight", conceived of a way in which businesses and individuals could easily accept and process credit card payments, using a cell phone and a card reader for reading magnetic card stripes that was small enough to be plugged into a user cell phone with ease.

TechCrunch

Therefore, rather than overcoming mistaken concepts by circumventing them in a mystical flash of insight or an ecstatic experience of union, the Geluk tradition offers a more sober way to overcome misconceptions, one based on clear, rational analysis.

SEP

A word is also grasped as a unity by an instantaneous flash of insight (pratibha).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a flash of insight" to vividly describe a character's sudden understanding in a narrative, making their realization more impactful for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a flash of insight" when simply referring to new information. The phrase implies a deeper understanding or realization, not just the acquisition of facts.

Linguistic Context

"A flash of insight" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a singular moment of sudden understanding. Ludwig's examples show it used to explain a character's realization, a scientific discovery, or a sudden creative idea.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science & Research

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flash of insight" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a sudden moment of understanding or realization. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a variety of contexts, especially in news, science, and general writing. When employing the phrase, writers should ensure they are accurately portraying a moment of genuine understanding, rather than simply the receipt of new information. Related phrases include "a moment of clarity" and "a sudden realization", offering alternative ways to express the same concept. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, solidifying its place in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a moment of sudden understanding

Focuses on the suddenness and clarity of comprehension.

a sudden realization

Highlights the abrupt recognition of something previously unknown.

a moment of clarity

Stresses the clearness and lack of confusion in the understanding.

a burst of inspiration

Emphasizes the creative and motivational aspect of the sudden idea.

an epiphany

A more formal and profound term for a sudden, life-changing realization.

a eureka moment

Captures the excitement and joy of a sudden discovery or understanding.

a stroke of genius

Implies a particularly brilliant and innovative insight.

a light bulb moment

An informal way to describe a sudden and obvious understanding.

a breakthrough

Highlights the overcoming of a barrier through sudden understanding.

a revelation

Suggests a previously hidden truth being unveiled.

FAQs

What does "a flash of insight" mean?

The phrase "a flash of insight" refers to a sudden and clear understanding of something, often after a period of confusion or contemplation. It's like a light bulb turning on in your head.

What can I say instead of "a flash of insight"?

You can use alternatives like "a moment of clarity", "a sudden realization", or "an epiphany" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a flash of insight" in formal writing?

Yes, "a flash of insight" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. While not overly technical, it's a clear and widely understood expression that adds a touch of vividness to your prose.

How can "a flash of insight" contribute to problem-solving?

Experiencing "a flash of insight" can lead to a creative solution or a new perspective on an issue. These sudden understandings can help overcome obstacles and generate innovative ideas.