The idiom “out like a light” is a colorful expression that conveys the idea of something quickly and suddenly ceasing or ending, often with the implication of losing consciousness or falling asleep. It is commonly used to describe a swift and abrupt change in a person’s state or situation.
This idiom draws a parallel between the way a lightbulb suddenly goes dark when turned off and the rapid cessation of an activity, event, or even a person’s alertness.
For example, if someone is extremely tired and suddenly falls asleep without any resistance, you might say they “went out like a light.” Similarly, if a party or gathering ends suddenly and everyone departs quickly, you could use this idiom to describe the event’s swift conclusion.
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Usage with Examples
The idiom is often used in casual conversation to emphasize the immediacy and unexpectedness of a transition, making it a vivid way to describe something ending or someone becoming unresponsive in a brief and abrupt manner.
Mentioned below are some examples where you can use the idiom go out like a light:
- After a long day at work, I lay down on the couch and was out like a light within minutes, completely exhausted from the day’s activities.
- As soon as the soothing music started playing, the baby went out like a light, finally succumbing to a peaceful nap.
- The boxer took a powerful punch to the jaw and went out like a light, collapsing onto the canvas and ending the match in a sudden knockout.
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Synonyms and Similar Words to Go Out Like a Light
Mentioned below are some synonyms and related words to go out like a light:
- Drop off quickly
- Slumber suddenly
- Nod off abruptly
- Fall asleep instantly
- Lose consciousness swiftly
Go Out Like a Light Meaning Quiz
After the intense hiking expedition, I climbed into my sleeping bag and was out like a light
- Lost in a deep slumber within moments of hitting the pillow.
- Thinking about the next day’s expedition.
- Gazing at the stars and feeling blessed to be alive.
Answer: Lost in the deep slumber within moments of hitting the pillow
This was all about the idiom out like a light meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.