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Region: US | Usage example: Landing that account was lightning in a bottle.

Lightning in a bottle

Meaning

Capture a rare success.

Usage

Used for fortuitous wins.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

The idea of containing lightning is impossible.

Used in marketing after the 1980s.

Related Idioms

Lightning never strikes twice

Very rare events usually don't repeat.

Go for broke

Risk everything to achieve success.

On a tear

Having a streak of success.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.