lights out

noun

1. Chiefly Military. a signal, usually by drum or bugle, that all or certain camp or barracks lights are to be extinguished for the night.
2. bedtime.

lights out

noun

1. the time when those resident at an institution, such as soldiers in barracks or children at a boarding school, are expected to retire to bed
2. a fanfare or other signal indicating or signifying this

Word History and Origins

Origin of lights out¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

“It’s the basement. I turn the lights out and watch film from the game.”

From Los Angeles Times

“He hasn’t pitched in forever, but we put him in a big spot, he threw up a zero and kept us in the ballgame. He was lights out tonight.”

From Los Angeles Times

One of his backers says "he hasn’t thrown much energy into the campaign… he is the outsider and unless he makes a spectacular success and shoots the lights out at the conference he won’t make it."

From BBC

And while starting pitcher Jack Flaherty grinded through a five-inning, three-run start in his final tune-up before the postseason, the Dodgers bullpen was lights out the rest of the way, combining for four scoreless innings while yielding just three walks and no hits.

From Los Angeles Times

“Today, he got the first out and left a slider middle-middle that was hit for a homer. … As far as inconsistencies, I just don’t know the answer. Sometimes he’s lights out, and other times he labors. It’s something we’ve got to dig into.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• collapse
• departure
• dissolution
• downfall
• extinction
• failure
• passing
• termination