catch lightning in a bottle

[ kach lahyt-ning in uh bot-l ]

idiom

1. to accomplish something extraordinarily difficult; achieve rare success:

   So far we’re underdogs this season, and will have to catch lightning in a bottle to make the playoffs.

   The network is seeking to catch lightning in a bottle twice by rebooting the popular series.

Word History and Origins

Origin of catch lightning in a bottle¹

First recorded in 1905–10, in the literal sense

Example Sentences

In an effort to catch lightning in a bottle, Steve Ballmer has approved a trade for James Harden that is reminiscent of Arte Moreno’s signing of Albert Pujols.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think 24 is humanly possible, it’s just at that point you’re kind of playing with magic and hoping to catch lightning in a bottle.”

From Los Angeles Times

He stresses that there are coaches out there “probably better than those ones who just catch lightning in a bottle.”

From Washington Post

There isn’t a team such as the Milwaukee Bucks or Boston Celtics in the West, which is why there is a greater feeling than usual that a fringe contender can catch lightning in a bottle and reach the NBA Finals.

From Los Angeles Times

“They want to catch lightning in a bottle,” said Bruce Forbes, a former professor and co-editor of a book about the Left Behind series, of the modern publishers.

From Slate