flick of light

USAGE SUMMARY

"flick of light" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a momentary, brief burst of light from a source such as a firefly, or a sparkle of light from something reflecting the sun. Example: "My spirits were lifted by the flick of light coming from the firefly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Does every flick of a light switch need to go to the cloud and come back down to turn on your light bulb?

TechCrunch

The owners of bookstores and boutiques push displays onto the sidewalk, proprietors flick on lights in the hardware store and the pharmacy -- and all but three are women.

Huffington Post

As in those plays, the passage of time lurches and stalls erratically in "Horse," as dusk falls with a flick of a light switch.

The New York Times

IN the wake of widespread violence during the New York City blackout of 1977, a newspaper columnist quipped that just one flick of a light switch separated civilization from primordial chaos.

The New York Times

It was like the flick of a light switch: she was suddenly producing a full, easy, idiomatic sound with a radiance that outshone everything had done to that point.

The New York Times - Arts

A flick of honey lighting introduced the first four evening dresses, which the stylish young Bianca Brandolini called "just beautiful".

The New York Times

In a single flick of the lighter, Apple gave us the tiny nudge we needed to erase music's years of isolation from the digital age.

TechCrunch

"Have you ever seen All of Me?" Lily asked with a coy flick of her lighter.

Vice

When I heard the flick of a lighter, I didn't turn around.

Vice

With the flick of a lighter, a 12-year-old boy riding a push scooter set fire to the crafts section of a Barstow Walmart this week, causing at least $1 million worth of damage, police said.

Los Angeles Times

First order of business, she says, flicking on lights: "We need to put on some tunes or we're not a record shop".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flick of light" to describe a quick, often purposeful activation of a light source, or a sudden, brief appearance of light, like the "flick of a light switch".

Common error

Avoid using "flick of light" when describing steady, continuous light sources. The phrase implies a momentary or brief action related to light, not constant illumination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flick of light" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a momentary or quick action involving light. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts, affirming its place in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flick of light" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes a brief or momentary instance of light. Ludwig highlights that it is versatile enough for use in diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While generally neutral in register, understanding its nuanced meaning—implying a quick action involving light—is crucial for effective communication. Considering alternative phrases like "flash of light" or "gleam of light" can help writers achieve greater precision in their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flash of light

Focuses on the sudden, brief nature of the light.

gleam of light

Highlights a bright or reflective quality of the light.

burst of light

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful appearance of light.

ray of light

Indicates a beam or stream of light.

spark of light

Suggests a small, bright point of light.

blink of light

Focuses on the momentary disappearance and reappearance of light.

touch of light

Emphasizes a delicate or subtle application of light.

hint of light

Highlights a subtle or barely perceptible amount of light.

momentary illumination

Uses more formal language to describe a short period of light.

brief flash

Simplifies the phrase to its core components of brevity and light.

FAQs

How can I use "flick of light" in a sentence?

You might say, "With a quick "flick of light", the room was plunged into darkness again", or "The only "flick of light" came from the lightning outside".

What can I say instead of "flick of light"?

You can use alternatives like "flash of light", "gleam of light", or "burst of light" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "flick of light" or "flash of light"?

Both ""flick of light"" and "flash of light" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Flick of light" often implies a deliberate action, while "flash of light" suggests a sudden, often unexpected burst of light.

What is the difference between "flick of light" and "ray of light"?

"Flick of light" refers to a brief moment when light appears or is activated, while "ray of light" describes a beam or stream of light that is continuous.