strike a light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strike a light" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an exclamation of surprise or astonishment. Example: "Strike a light! I never expected to see you here!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Zeus, Hera and all the gods together strike a light!" said Socrates.

The Guardian - Opinion

Strike a light, the days are long when all is well in a camp.

The Guardian - Sport

And then along comes a 22-year-old with a Sat Nav and no clue of how to get from Leicester Square to Piccadilly Circus and, strike a light, guv'nor, the game's bleedin' up.

Independent

The report, by the National Transportation Safety Board, said the pilot and first officer probably misread flight instruments, causing the plane to approach a foggy Hobby Airport too low and strike a light pole.

The New York Times

Strike a light!

Vice

The impact of the collision caused the sedan to strike a light pole and a fence, while the SUV struck and sheared a fire hydrant.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Constable could strike a lighter note.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes the two couples' very different experiences strike a lighter note.

The New York Times

It is not.Other times, and frequently, I will strike a lighter tone and tell you a bit about the colourful personalities in this race.

The Economist

Attempting to strike a lighter note, Mr. Bloomberg added, "Not to mention the fact that maybe my daughter will be in the Olympics, although I don't think so".

The New York Times

Impatiently he struck a light and was horrified to see her as a decomposed corpse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strike a light" sparingly in modern writing, as it can sound dated or overly dramatic. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

Common error

Avoid using "strike a light" in formal or serious contexts where a lighthearted or surprised tone is inappropriate. It's best suited for informal conversation or when aiming for a vintage or theatrical feel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strike a light" functions as an interjection. It expresses surprise, astonishment, or mild shock, similar to other exclamatory phrases. Ludwig AI indicates this is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strike a light" is an idiomatic expression used as an exclamation of surprise or astonishment. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered somewhat old-fashioned and is best reserved for informal contexts or when aiming for a vintage tone. Consider alternatives like "good heavens" or "holy moly" for modern writing. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, with less common usage in academic or formal business settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good heavens

Expresses surprise or shock, similar to "strike a light" but more formal.

well I never

Indicates surprise or disbelief, offering a more conversational tone.

I'll be

A shortened form expressing astonishment, less common but still interchangeable in certain contexts.

blow me down

An exclamation of surprise or shock, more informal and colloquial.

would you believe it

Questions the likelihood of something to express surprise.

I say

An exclamation showing surprise, more of old-fashioned British English.

stone the crows

An exclamation of surprise, predominantly British slang.

crikey

An expression of surprise, more common in Australian English.

holy moly

An exclamation of surprise or excitement, more informal.

I am amazed

Directly states surprise or astonishment.

FAQs

How can I use "strike a light" in a sentence?

"Strike a light" is typically used as an exclamation of surprise or astonishment. For example: "Strike a light! I never expected to see you here!"

What can I say instead of "strike a light"?

You can use alternatives like "good heavens", "well I never", or "holy moly" depending on the context.

Is "strike a light" considered old-fashioned?

Yes, "strike a light" is considered an older expression and might sound dated in contemporary conversations. It is more frequently found in literature or period pieces aiming for a vintage feel.

What's the origin of the expression "strike a light"?

The expression "strike a light" likely comes from the act of striking a match to create light, which was once a surprising or novel event. The phrase evolved to express general surprise or astonishment.