light up

verb

1. to light a cigarette, pipe, etc

2. to illuminate or cause to illuminate

3. to make or become cheerful or animated

Idioms and Phrases

Become or cause to become more animated or cheerful, as in Her laughter lit up the whole room , or His face lit up when he saw her . This expression transfers physical illumination to human moods. Also see lighten up . [Mid-1700s]

Start smoking a cigar, cigarette, or pipe, as in The minute he got outside the church he lit up . [ Colloquial ; mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

A runway will light up, and so will the antennas on the mascot.

From Los Angeles Times

PSG's Doue is another brilliant young talent currently struggling with an injury, but he is another who will light up the tournament when fit, as he did so wonderfully last season.

From BBC

Mr Sen, who runs a tour company, chanced upon a newspaper article about city enthusiasts lighting up some of the city's grand but often neglected heritage buildings.

From BBC

They described her as a "a cherished sister, a loyal friend, and a radiant presence whose laughter could light up any room".

From BBC

But as the day went on and she traded a leather Fendi trench coat for a multicolored Loewe one, Barnett’s eyes started to light up differently.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blink 
• flicker 
• gleam 
• glint 
• glisten 
• glitter 
• glow 
• illuminate 
• shimmer 
• sparkle 
• wink