bright and early

Idioms  

1. Early in the morning, at dawn, as in It's a long trip, so we'll have to start out bright and early. The bright here presumably alludes to the brilliance of the dawning sun, which has long been noted by poets. [Early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Every eight weeks or so, I head to the blood donation center in Providence bright and early.

From Slate • May 9, 2026

The nominations were announced by “The Color Purple” actress Danielle Brooks and “Top Gun: Maverick” actor Lewis Pullman bright and early at 5:30 a.m. in Los Angeles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

The guide, Seth, meets you in the park bright and early, before too many people flood the area, with all the necessary equipment.

From Salon • Oct. 31, 2025

I gather David Smith, whose evidence we'll hear first this morning, is already here having arrived bright and early.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2024

“She works six days a week but on Sundays gets up bright and early to take Mrs. Tsontakis to church—poor thing’s ninety-three and can barely walk. That’s Zoe. Always thinking of others.”

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

• ill-timed
• improper
• premature
• undue
• unfortunate