catch lightning in a bottle

American  

[kach lahyt-ning in uh bot-l] / ˈkætʃ ˈlaɪt nɪŋ ɪn ə ˈbɒt l /

idiom

1. to accomplish something extraordinarily difficult; achieve rare success.

   So far we’re underdogs this season, and will have to catch lightning in a bottle to make the playoffs.

   The network is seeking to catch lightning in a bottle twice by rebooting the popular series.

---

Etymology

Origin of catch lightning in a bottle

First recorded in 1905–10, in the literal sense

Example Sentences

If they do manage to catch lightning in a bottle, it’s a sign that whatever useless film sequel they’re working on for the year ahead will be a critical and commercial success.

From Salon

One is always trying to catch lightning in a bottle, and with the grace of the Movie Gods, the film is what I hoped it would be.

From Los Angeles Times

In an effort to catch lightning in a bottle, Steve Ballmer has approved a trade for James Harden that is reminiscent of Arte Moreno’s signing of Albert Pujols.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think 24 is humanly possible, it’s just at that point you’re kind of playing with magic and hoping to catch lightning in a bottle.”

From Los Angeles Times

He stresses that there are coaches out there “probably better than those ones who just catch lightning in a bottle.”

From Washington Post