A bright spark
noun
A smart, intelligent person especially someone who solves problems quickly or comes up with new ideas.
She's always been a bright spark, quickly figuring out solutions to complex problems.
Often appears as...
- prove to be a bright spark
- that one is a bright spark
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
Used sarcastically to describe someone who is not very smart or has done something stupid.
A bright spark left the bath running and now whole bathroom is flooded.
Often appears as...
- a real bright spark
- a bright spark in the room
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
noun
A smart, intelligent person especially someone who solves problems quickly or comes up with new ideas.
She's always been a bright spark, quickly figuring out solutions to complex problems.
Often appears as...
- prove to be a bright spark
- that one is a bright spark
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
Used sarcastically to describe someone who is not very smart or has done something stupid.
A bright spark left the bath running and now whole bathroom is flooded.
Often appears as...
- a real bright spark
- a bright spark in the room
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Positive Connotation
Implies admiration or approval when describing someone's intelligence or skills.
At just 10 years old, he's already a bright spark in mathematics.
Pro Tip 2/3Problem Solvers
Often used for individuals who excel in finding solutions to difficult issues or situations.
She was the bright spark who streamlined our workflow.
Pro Tip 3/3Group Dynamics
In groups, refers to someone who energizes the team with ideas and enthusiasm.
During the project, he was the bright spark keeping everyone motivated.
Pro Tip 1/3Positive Connotation
Implies admiration or approval when describing someone's intelligence or skills.
At just 10 years old, he's already a bright spark in mathematics.
Pro Tip 2/3Problem Solvers
Often used for individuals who excel in finding solutions to difficult issues or situations.
She was the bright spark who streamlined our workflow.
Pro Tip 3/3Group Dynamics
In groups, refers to someone who energizes the team with ideas and enthusiasm.
During the project, he was the bright spark keeping everyone motivated.
Pro Tip 1/3Positive Connotation
Implies admiration or approval when describing someone's intelligence or skills.
At just 10 years old, he's already a bright spark in mathematics.
Pro Tip 2/3Problem Solvers
Often used for individuals who excel in finding solutions to difficult issues or situations.
She was the bright spark who streamlined our workflow.
Pro Tip 3/3Group Dynamics
In groups, refers to someone who energizes the team with ideas and enthusiasm.
During the project, he was the bright spark keeping everyone motivated.
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