stroke of lightning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stroke of lightning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and powerful event or realization, often metaphorically. Example: "When she finally understood the concept, it felt like a stroke of lightning illuminating her mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It looks rather like a stroke of lightning.

The Guardian - Arts

In reality, Numerian had died either a natural death or from a stroke of lightning.

Britannica

But once Mr. Hill arrived, as Mr. Schneider put it, "the play exploded like a sudden storm, one stroke of lightning, one thunderclap after another".

The New York Times

The New York Times account the next day stated, "Unlike negative electrons, which flash in a stroke of lightning or flow in a wire as a current of electricity, positrons have an evanescent life measured in millionths of a second.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mr. Powers and Mr. Vacco, a fellow Republican, could be forgiven for clinging to the hope that some stroke of lightning would help them overtake Mr. Spitzer, but it seems that at this point, the court fight is not primarily about changing the outcome.

The New York Times

We are told by Zonaras (XII.30) that he defeated the Persians and then returned to Rome, whence he set out against the Sarmatians but was killed during a campaign against the Huns, or, as some say, on the river Tigris, as the result of a stroke of lightning; but this can hardly be correct, as his reign of one year was not long enough to permit of so much activity.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The world gets some 16,000,000 thunderstorms annually, and is hit by 2 billion strokes of lightning.

The New Yorker

Multiple strokes of lightning appear to flicker because the human eye is just capable of resolving the time interval between them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

None of the wild weather -- the lashing hailstorms, passing hurricanes or strokes of lightning -- really bothered him, "because he was so confident in the strength of that building, he knew nothing could happen to it," said Jerry Vandagna, his father-in-law.

The New York Times

The discharges accompany rare but powerful strokes of lightning that carry positively charged currents.

Science Magazine

Such systems measure time, location, flash polarity, and stroke count of lightning strikes.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase “stroke of lightning” to describe a sudden and impactful event, idea, or realization. It adds a sense of drama and unexpectedness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using “stroke of lightning” for minor or insignificant events. The phrase implies a significant and often transformative occurrence, so using it inappropriately can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stroke of lightning" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used metaphorically to describe a sudden, impactful event or realization. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts, from architecture to personal insights.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stroke of lightning" is a grammatically sound and metaphorically rich expression used to describe a sudden, powerful, and often illuminating event or realization. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, although its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily within News & Media and Encyclopedias. While its usage should be reserved for events of considerable impact to avoid diluting its effect, it remains a vivid and effective way to convey sudden and transformative experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden stroke of fortune

This directly equates to a lucky event happening without any warning.

bolt from the blue

This alternative emphasizes the unexpected and sudden nature of the event, similar to lightning appearing from a clear sky.

sudden epiphany

This phrase focuses on the sudden realization or understanding, akin to the illuminating effect of lightning.

flash of inspiration

This highlights the creative aspect of a sudden idea, as if sparked by lightning.

out of the clear blue sky

This alternative underlines the unexpected and sudden nature of an event, with no prior warning.

unexpected breakthrough

This alternative suggests a sudden and significant advancement, similar in impact to a lightning strike.

instantaneous revelation

This highlights the sudden and enlightening nature of the realization.

chance occurrence

This emphasizes the element of luck or randomness associated with an event, much like being struck by lightning.

fortuitous circumstance

This emphasizes the lucky and beneficial nature of the situation, like a fortunate strike of lightning.

serendipitous event

This highlights the fortunate and accidental nature of the occurrence.

FAQs

How can “stroke of lightning” be used in a sentence?

You can use “stroke of lightning” to describe a sudden realization, a moment of inspiration, or an unexpected event. For example: "When she understood the solution, it felt like a “stroke of lightning” illuminated her mind."

What's a good alternative to “stroke of lightning” to describe a sudden insight?

Alternatives include "flash of inspiration", "sudden epiphany", or "bolt from the blue". These phrases capture the sudden and illuminating nature of a new understanding.

In what situations is it appropriate to use “stroke of lightning”?

Use “stroke of lightning” when describing a moment of sudden and significant impact, be it an idea, an event, or a change in circumstances. It is fitting when something unexpected and powerful occurs.

Is “stroke of lightning” more appropriate than “stroke of luck”?

While both involve a sudden event, “stroke of lightning” implies a more transformative or illuminating experience, whereas "stroke of luck" typically refers to a fortunate, but not necessarily profound, occurrence.