crack of daylight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crack of daylight" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the very early morning when the first light appears, often associated with the start of a new day. Example: "We woke up at the crack of daylight to start our hike before the heat of the day set in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The painting, he said, "shot the first crack of daylight into my blocked-off brain".

The New York Times

If you can spy even a crack of daylight between actor and character in this performance, you've got better eyes than I do.

The New York Times

In late 2007, there was the first crack of daylight into the government's use of waterboarding during interrogations of Al Qaeda detainees.

The New York Times

Elsewhere there were signs of wiggle room and the odd crack of daylight: Amour's Emmanuelle Riva took best actress, Christoph Waltz won best supporting actor, and Quentin Tarantino took home best original screenplay.

The Guardian - Film

But a gibe from Ed Miliband, a prospective Labour leader, is likely to stick in the mind: he accused the two parties of having three separate policies between them.In a country unused to government by coalition, it is tempting to see every crack of daylight between the governing parties as a potentially dangerous split.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The tactic worked for a while until Yao found cracks of daylight among the crowd.

The New York Times

So those few small cracks of daylight in your horrible working day/existence grow huge and sun-like in hindsight, and so every time someone falls over while holding two cardboard cups of tea and spills it all down themselves becomes about the funniest thing in the world, a thing you will collectively still joke about eight months later, a thing that will dominate your post-work pub chat.

Vice

Shooting into end-of-daylight, you will get extreme color.

The New York Times

She pointed to a patch of rubble with a glimmer of daylight coming through it — we could hear the low rumbling of trucks outside — then to cracks and gaps in the other walls.

The New Yorker

For commissars of daylight.

The New Yorker

Phengophobia- Fear of daylight or sunshine.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crack of daylight" to evoke a sense of early morning, new beginnings, or a sudden, often unexpected, glimpse of hope or opportunity.

Common error

While evocative, "crack of daylight" might sound out of place in very formal writing. Consider more neutral alternatives like "early morning" or "initial sign" for business reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crack of daylight" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used adverbially to indicate the time of an event or metaphorically to represent a first sign or glimmer of something positive. Ludwig indicates it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crack of daylight" is a grammatically sound and evocative expression used to depict the first light of morning or a metaphorical glimpse of hope. While Ludwig confirms its usability, it is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. Although its use is generally neutral in tone, consider substituting for a more formal option like "early morning" or "initial sign" in formal or scientific settings. When aiming to convey a poetic or descriptive effect, "crack of daylight" offers a stronger image than its more neutral alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break of dawn

This refers specifically to the start of the day, similar to "crack of daylight".

first light

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing the initial appearance of sunlight.

early morning

This is a more general term, less evocative than "crack of daylight".

glimmer of hope

This alternative shifts the focus to a metaphorical 'light' representing optimism.

ray of hope

Similar to 'glimmer of hope', this conveys a small sign of positivity.

sign of improvement

This phrase moves away from the imagery of light but captures the sense of a positive development.

dawn of a new era

This broader phrase signifies the commencement of a significant period.

initial stage

A more neutral term, indicating the beginning of something without the poetic feel.

faint possibility

This alternative focuses on a slight chance, moving away from the literal meaning of daylight.

small opening

This refers to a slight opportunity or advantage.

FAQs

What does "crack of daylight" mean?

The phrase "crack of daylight" refers to the first appearance of light in the early morning, symbolizing a new beginning or a glimpse of hope.

Is it appropriate to use "crack of daylight" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "crack of daylight" may be too informal for certain academic or business contexts. Consider alternatives like "early morning" or "initial sign".

What can I say instead of "crack of daylight"?

You can use alternatives like "break of dawn", "first light", or "early morning" depending on the context.

How can I use "crack of daylight" in a sentence?

You can use "crack of daylight" to describe the beginning of the day (e.g., "We woke up at the crack of daylight") or to symbolize a glimpse of hope (e.g., "After months of struggle, we finally saw a crack of daylight").