Meaning of lightning in a bottle | Babel Free

Definitions

1. That which one seeks in attempting a difficult or challenging feat.
   idiomatic, uncountable
2. A very difficult, unlikely or lucky achievement or period of success.
   idiomatic, uncountable
3. Ephemeral state or atmosphere, as at a startup company or artistic group.
   idiomatic, uncountable
4. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lightning, bottle.
   uncountable

Examples

“The Yanks were the dominant team throughout, outhitting, outfielding, outpitching and outmaneuvering the Dodgers. Brooklyn was not outgamed but the Dodgers, to use⟳ Lippy Leo Durocher’s favorite expression, went out to try⟳ to catch⟳ lightning in a bottle.”

“Their fate remained in doubt⟳ until the very last⟳ game of the season. This truly was a team that captured lightning in a bottle.”

“We tracked down four people who introduced some of the most popular fad items of the past few decades to find⟳ out how they handled their sudden prosperity—and rapid exit from the limelight. Some were relaxing and enjoying their spoils. Others were trying to capture⟳ lightning in a bottle one more time.”

“Just like⟳ rock bands, authors and Hollywood stars, technology companies can often attribute their rise⟳ to the top to a single smash hit. For those lucky few who are talented and lucky enough to catch⟳ lightning in a bottle, that single No. 1 album, best-selling book or syndicated television program⟳ can be enough to carry⟳ their career, and them, for a lifetime.”

CEFR level