live wire

American  

[lahyv] / laɪv /

noun

Informal.

1. an energetic, keenly alert person.

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live wire British  

/ laɪv /

noun

1. informal  an energetic or enterprising person

2. a wire carrying an electric current

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live wire Idioms  

1. 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]

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Etymology

Origin of live wire

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

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

From The Wall Street Journal

“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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC