light bulb moment

noun

1. informal.
   a moment of sudden inspiration, revelation, or recognition

Word History and Origins

Origin of light bulb moment¹

C20: from the cartoon image of a light bulb lighting up above a character's head when he or she has an idea

Example Sentences

“I noticed that my kids just didn’t differentiate. It was just such a light bulb moment for me. This is how it should be. More exposure to the full spectrum of humanity.”

From Los Angeles Times

And that painful incident eight years ago was her “light bulb moment.”

From Los Angeles Times

All his tinkering, spread across thousands of practice throws, led to a “light bulb moment” in that barn in December 2022.

From Los Angeles Times

“It was a real light bulb moment,” said one executive.

From Los Angeles Times

Did you have a light bulb moment, an experience where you said, "Oh, this is not normal?"

From Salon