spark of brilliance

USAGE SUMMARY

"spark of brilliance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone or something that has done something truly impressive or insightful. For example, "The CEO's decision to invest in a new business showed a real spark of brilliance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

General Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

And still, occasionally, there is a spark of brilliance, of the old spontaneity.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Without that extra spark of brilliance, the Falcons will always sound more like Jackrabbit Slim than "Blonde on Blonde".

The New York Times

On the second floor of a 70s block five minutes' walk from the station, there's an open-plan office filled with desks, clustered together in groups of four, run by Pertemps ("unearthing the spark of brilliance in everyone") – the next layer down in a dizzying chain of contractors and subcontractors that is fulfilling part of the G4S contract in Hull.

The Guardian

It also looks at what it deems 'a spark of brilliance', which could include a clever implementation of a feature, for instance.

TechCrunch

Because if there's one moment in that match, one spark of brilliance from Visser or Hogg that gets me off my seat and for a moment has me thinking the impossible is possible it will be worth it.

BBC

Nobody in the world lives deeper in this dark advertising hole of the internet than I do, but occasionally a spark of brilliance lights up this terrible place and, at least for a moment, makes this ad-critiquing gig worthwhile.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I saw some sparks of brilliance," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

There are occasional sparks of brilliance, notably Duplex Trip's lolloping melody and Little Fang's disco inflections.

The Guardian - Music

Karolyi received the package and said she immediately thought, "Whoa, this coach has a lot of confidence, doesn't he?" Then she looked at the tape and saw sparks of brilliance.

The New York Times - Sports

There are isolated sparks of brilliance – the awkward rhythms of In the Lurch give way to a cathartic chorus – but then it's followed by 50,000 Kilowatts, which sounds like a poor Bon Jovi pastiche, right down to the "us against the world" lyrics straight from central casting.

The Guardian - Music

Paul Lewis should perhaps not have had the lid of his Steinway fully open for Mozart's Piano Concerto No 12 in A; the piano sound was apt to become boomy at full tilt, adding a hint of murkiness to what was otherwise a light-footed performance, Lewis's flowing yet thoughtful playing producing sparks of brilliance alongside a vibrant orchestra.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spark of brilliance" to describe a specific instance of exceptional insight, skill, or creativity, rather than a general characteristic.

Common error

Avoid using "spark of brilliance" to describe ordinary or commonplace events. Reserve it for truly remarkable instances to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spark of brilliance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific instance of exceptional insight or skill, as validated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spark of brilliance" is a noun phrase used to describe a moment of exceptional insight, skill, or creativity. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While not an extremely common phrase, it effectively conveys praise or acknowledgment of a significant achievement. When using "spark of brilliance", it's best to reserve it for truly remarkable instances to maintain its impact and avoid overuse in mundane contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flash of genius

This alternative emphasizes a sudden, brilliant idea or moment of insight.

stroke of genius

This alternative highlights a particularly impressive and clever action or idea.

moment of inspiration

This phrase focuses on the inspirational aspect, suggesting a burst of creativity.

brilliant idea

This is a more direct and straightforward way to describe a very good idea.

exceptional talent

This alternative refers to an outstanding natural aptitude or skill.

remarkable insight

This phrase highlights a deep and clear understanding of a complex issue.

ingenious solution

This alternative emphasizes the cleverness and originality of a solution to a problem.

creative spark

This phrase highlights the creative energy and innovation.

touch of brilliance

This alternative suggests a subtle but significant element of exceptional quality.

inspired thought

This option underlines a creative and uplifting train of thought.

FAQs

How can I use "spark of brilliance" in a sentence?

You can use "spark of brilliance" to describe a moment of exceptional insight or creativity. For example, "The CEO's decision to invest in a new business showed a real "spark of brilliance"".

What can I say instead of "spark of brilliance"?

You can use alternatives like "flash of genius", "stroke of genius", or "moment of inspiration" depending on the context.

Is "spark of brilliance" a common phrase?

The phrase "spark of brilliance" is not extremely common but is well-understood and appropriate in many contexts to describe an impressive insight or action.

What distinguishes "spark of brilliance" from "flash of genius"?

"Spark of brilliance" suggests a brief moment of outstanding talent or insight, while "flash of genius" emphasizes the sudden, unexpected nature of the brilliant idea.