flash of genius

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flash of genius" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and brilliant idea or insight that someone has. Example: "After hours of brainstorming, she finally had a flash of genius that solved the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

This showed a flash of genius.

The New York Times - Magazine

Flash of Genius, by John Seabrook (St. Martin's Griffin; $14.95).

The New Yorker

In 1941 it set the bar higher, requiring a "flash of genius".

The Economist

"I thought it was important to take this flash of genius and celebrate it".

The New York Times

Before that, an invention was supposed to exhibit a "flash of genius".

The New York Times

"Flash of Genius" was cheered by critics but not by the box office.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The flashes of genius are interspersed with the constant "Will they?

The Guardian - Sport

Lightning flashes of genius, lust and cruelty surge from the background shadows of poverty and oppression – as on one of his admired school-of-Merisi canvases.

Independent

And at the heart of it all was Barnes, applying the flashes of genius to a Liverpool masterpiece that brought them within grasp of a 17th league title.

The Guardian - Sport

He is a quintessential product of the 1960s: the invigorating, try-anything sense of possibility, the idealism, the flashes of genius, the daft excesses - it's all there.

The Guardian - Music

There was a lot of the Tess of the d'Urbervilles in my mother's accounts: rich relatives, flashes of genius, blue blood gone astray.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flash of genius" to describe a sudden, brilliant idea or moment of inspiration, especially when emphasizing its unexpected nature.

Common error

Avoid using "flash of genius" to describe ordinary ideas or solutions. Reserve it for truly exceptional and innovative insights to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flash of genius" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a sudden and brilliant idea or insight. Ludwig indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flash of genius" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a sudden, brilliant idea or insight. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in a wide range of contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, indicating its prevalence in describing innovative moments and breakthroughs. While the phrase is well-regarded, it's best reserved for truly exceptional ideas to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "stroke of brilliance" or "moment of inspiration" can be used depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stroke of brilliance

Emphasizes the brilliance of the idea or insight more strongly.

moment of inspiration

Focuses on the inspirational aspect of the idea.

spark of ingenuity

Highlights the inventiveness and cleverness of the idea.

burst of insight

Conveys a sudden and intense understanding.

epiphany

Refers to a sudden and profound realization.

brainwave

An informal term for a sudden clever idea.

creative breakthrough

Highlights the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the idea.

sudden inspiration

Highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of the inspiring event.

inspired idea

Focuses on the quality of being divinely inspired.

ingenious thought

Emphasizes the cleverness and originality of the thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "flash of genius" to describe a sudden, brilliant idea or moment of inspiration. For example, "Her design for the new bridge was a "flash of genius"."

What's a good alternative to "flash of genius"?

Alternatives include "stroke of brilliance", "moment of inspiration", or "spark of ingenuity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "flash of brilliance" the same as "flash of genius"?

"Flash of brilliance" and "flash of genius" are very similar and often interchangeable. Both refer to a sudden moment of exceptional insight or intelligence. The difference is very subtle and context-dependent.

When is it appropriate to use "flash of genius" in writing?

Use "flash of genius" when you want to emphasize the sudden, unexpected, and brilliant nature of an idea or insight. It's suitable for describing moments of significant innovation or problem-solving.