live wire

[lahyv]

noun

Informal.

1. an energetic, keenly alert person.

live wire

/ laɪv /

noun

1. informal,  an energetic or enterprising person

2. a wire carrying an electric current

Word History and Origins

Origin of live wire¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Idioms and Phrases

A highly alert or energetic person. For example, Sally's a real live wire; she brightens up any gathering. This metaphoric term transfers a wire carrying electric current to a lively individual. [c. 1900]

Example Sentences

I thought I would have become less of a live wire, but that hasn’t happened.

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“There are injuries, however, we are not able to confirm the extent due to live wires down in the area,” Gloria Orejel, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office told Victor Valley News Group.

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It’s a live wire issue in a criminal context.

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I preferred being “that girl who owns that shop” instead of “that girl whose shop ended up closing,” and who felt like a failing live wire because of it.

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Nick says other issues have included the wrong windows being installed twice, heat loss issues, and bare live wires hidden behind a wall.

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