light bulb moment

noun

1. informal.
   a moment of sudden inspiration, revelation, or recognition

Word History and Origins

Origin of light bulb moment¹

C20: from the cartoon image of a light bulb lighting up above a character's head when he or she has an idea

Example Sentences

“There was no light bulb moment, it was just something I was drawn to,” Gomperts told The Daily Beast in Austin.

From The Daily Beast

Did you have a sort of light bulb moment when you knew you wanted to be an actor?

From The Daily Beast