flash of confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flash of confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and brief moment of self-assurance or certainty in a situation. Example: "During the presentation, she experienced a flash of confidence that helped her deliver her ideas clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was a flash of confidence.

The New York Times - Sports

In the second set, Harkleroad pounced on Tu's ground strokes, redirecting the match with a flash of confidence.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Everton youngster had a relatively mundane duty to carry out there and it is the lightning flash of his carefree confidence that illuminates a game.

The Guardian - Sport

In the midst of these growth-threatening circumstances, along came 60 Minutes worth of Michael Lewis' latest exposure of Wall Street excess ("The Flash Boys") undermining confidence just when confidence is what investors need most.

Huffington Post

Participants, therefore, chose one of four keys corresponding to the number of flashes and confidence level (i.e., 2 and high, 2 and low, 1 and low, 1 and high).

Brain Topography

Flash forward to May 2015: Beyonce was the picture of confidence Monday night arriving -- dare we say fashionably?

Los Angeles Times

In a subset of cones, the unperturbed amplitude of the dim G flash response could be extrapolated with a reasonable degree of confidence (red horizontal segments at time zero).

eLife

He and his aides have shown flashes of a fresh confidence, bordering on arrogance, that was once the province of the Bush campaign.

The New York Times

So yes, Woods has settled back on top of this world, his new girlfriend in tow, showing flashes of his old confidence, Gene Wojciechowski writes on ESPN.com.

The New York Times - Sports

Metacognitive ability can be expressed as the mapping between objective performance, such as a perceptual judgment on the duration of a flash, and subjective confidence in the accuracy of such an objective judgment (Kunimoto, Miller, & Pashler, 2001; Galvin, Podd, Drga, & Whitmore, 2003; Lau & Passingham, 2006).

Consciousness and Cognition

Rooney's header flashed wide and it was alarming to see the lack of confidence with which he attacked the ball.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flash of confidence" to describe a specific instance where someone suddenly demonstrates self-assurance, often in a challenging situation. It's more impactful when the confidence is unexpected or contrasts with the person's usual demeanor.

Common error

Avoid using "flash of confidence" to describe a consistently confident person. The phrase implies a temporary or sudden display, not a permanent trait.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flash of confidence" functions as a noun phrase. It describes a specific instance or manifestation of confidence, as evidenced by Ludwig examples. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

33%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flash of confidence" is a noun phrase used to describe a sudden, brief display of self-assurance. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and versatile, suitable for news, sports, and general writing. It's particularly effective in highlighting unexpected displays of confidence. Keep in mind to use it to convey temporary or sudden situations, rather than permanent traits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting self-assurance

Stresses the temporary nature of the self-assurance.

moment of assurance

Focuses on the feeling of assurance rather than its sudden appearance.

burst of self-belief

Highlights the aspect of believing in oneself.

instant of conviction

Emphasizes the feeling of being convinced.

surge of certainty

Emphasizes the feeling of being certain.

temporary self-possession

Highlights the regained control of one's self.

sudden boldness

Shifts the focus to displaying boldness.

passing burst of courage

Focuses on courage as the primary emotion.

brief display of poise

Highlights the visible aspect of poise.

quick assertion of control

Emphasizes the act of asserting control.

FAQs

How can I use "flash of confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "flash of confidence" to describe a sudden, brief moment of self-assurance. For instance, "Despite her initial nervousness, she experienced a "flash of confidence" that helped her deliver a compelling speech."

What does "flash of confidence" mean?

A "flash of confidence" refers to a sudden, often unexpected, burst of self-assurance or certainty in a particular moment or situation.

What can I say instead of "flash of confidence"?

You can use alternatives like "moment of assurance", "burst of self-belief", or "fleeting self-assurance depending on the context.

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

Yes, "flash of confidence" is suitable for formal writing. It is grammatically correct and can effectively convey a specific nuance of sudden self-assurance.