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.

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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 • Jan. 4, 2026

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 • Dec. 2, 2025

They just need to catch lightning in a bottle and have that one feel-good win and I think a lot of this conversation will change.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2022

You can’t catch lightning in a bottle twice.

From Fox News • Feb. 24, 2020

As Levy tells it, he saw Daniels, an old friend, in the Wall Street Journal last week and tried to catch lightning in a bottle.

From Washington Post • Jan. 21, 2018