a stroke of lightning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stroke of lightning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and powerful event or realization, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "When she finally understood the solution to the problem, it felt like a stroke of lightning illuminating her mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

The phrase is used literally to describe an actual lightning strike.

It's also used metaphorically to describe sudden inspiration or luck.

Additionally, it can describe a sudden, powerful event or change.

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It looks rather like a stroke of lightning.

The Guardian - Arts

In reality, Numerian had died either a natural death or from a stroke of lightning.

Britannica

The New York Times account the next day stated, "Unlike negative electrons, which flash in a stroke of lightning or flow in a wire as a current of electricity, positrons have an evanescent life measured in millionths of a second.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We are told by Zonaras (XII.30) that he defeated the Persians and then returned to Rome, whence he set out against the Sarmatians but was killed during a campaign against the Huns, or, as some say, on the river Tigris, as the result of a stroke of lightning; but this can hardly be correct, as his reign of one year was not long enough to permit of so much activity.

University of Chicago

This past weekend at the Toronto International Film Festival, Stone publicly called for President Obama to pardon Snowden adding that he hopes "Mr. Obama has a stroke of lightning" and realizes he has created "the most extensive invasive surveillance state that ever existed".

Vice

Do not expect stars to fall from the sky, the rumble of thunder or a stroke of lightning to give some signs.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But once Mr. Hill arrived, as Mr. Schneider put it, "the play exploded like a sudden storm, one stroke of lightning, one thunderclap after another".

The New York Times

Mr. Powers and Mr. Vacco, a fellow Republican, could be forgiven for clinging to the hope that some stroke of lightning would help them overtake Mr. Spitzer, but it seems that at this point, the court fight is not primarily about changing the outcome.

The New York Times

He was energetic, intelligent, diligent, faithful — a stroke of luck for my mother, a lightning bolt of luck that had illuminated her grinding, narrow future and transformed it.

The New Yorker

The initial theory, not yet discounted, was that a lightning strike was to blame – a stroke of bad luck that would fit with Tata's current predicament.

Vice

"What a stroke of luck..

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a stroke of lightning" to dramatically emphasize a sudden, impactful, and often unexpected event or realization. It adds vivid imagery to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a stroke of lightning" in contexts that require a more subtle or nuanced description. Its dramatic nature can feel out of place in everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stroke of lightning" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It can act as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI showcases instances where it describes both literal events and metaphorical realizations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a stroke of lightning" is a noun phrase used to describe something sudden and impactful. It’s grammatically correct and, according to Ludwig, functions to vividly describe events or realizations, both literally and metaphorically. While found across various registers, it appears most frequently in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI highlights its versatility, but caution is advised against overuse in overly neutral contexts. Related phrases include "a flash of brilliance" and "a bolt from the blue".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flash of brilliance

Emphasizes the sudden and impressive nature of an idea or event, focusing on its exceptional quality.

a bolt from the blue

Highlights the unexpected and surprising nature of an event or piece of information.

a sudden revelation

Stresses the instantaneous and enlightening quality of a discovery or understanding.

a burst of inspiration

Focuses on the sudden influx of creative ideas or motivation.

a stroke of luck

Emphasizes the fortunate and unexpected nature of an event.

a flash of insight

Highlights the sudden understanding or realization of something.

a brilliant idea

Focuses on the high quality and ingenuity of a thought or concept.

an epiphany

Conveys a profound and transformative moment of realization.

a eureka moment

Refers to the sudden discovery or understanding of something, often after a period of searching.

a lucky break

Emphasizes the fortunate timing or circumstances of an event.

FAQs

How can I use "a stroke of lightning" in a sentence?

You can use "a stroke of lightning" to describe a sudden and powerful event or realization, for example: "The solution came to her like "a stroke of lightning"."

What's a good alternative to "a stroke of lightning"?

Alternatives include "a flash of brilliance", "a bolt from the blue", or "a sudden revelation", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'a stroke of lightning' or should I say 'stroke of lightning'?

Both forms are grammatically sound, but using the article "a" before "stroke" is more common when referring to a single instance or metaphorical use. Saying "stroke of lightning" without "a" is acceptable in more technical contexts.

What does "a stroke of lightning" metaphorically represent?

Metaphorically, "a stroke of lightning" often represents a sudden and powerful inspiration, a moment of clarity, or an unexpected stroke of good fortune. It implies a transformative event.