Idioms and Expressions with "Light"

Study the vocabulary list and complete the activities below.

• 1. Bring to light: To reveal something or make it known to the public, especially something that was hidden or kept secret.
  • The investigation brought to light some shocking details.
  • New evidence was brought to light during the trial.
  • We hope this documentary will bring the issue to light.
• 2. See the light at the end of the tunnel: To see signs of hope or a successful end to a long, difficult situation or task.
  • After months of studying, I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
  • The project was hard, but we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel now.
  • It’s a tough treatment, but he sees the light at the end of the tunnel.
• 3. Make light of (something): To treat a serious situation, problem, or feeling as if it is not important or not serious.
  • He made light of his illness, but we knew he was suffering.
  • You shouldn't make light of such a serious mistake.
  • She always makes light of her achievements.
• 4. Give the green light: To give permission for someone to do something or for a project to start.
  • The boss gave us the green light to start the new campaign.
  • We are just waiting for the city to give the green light.
  • Once they give the green light, we will buy the materials.
• 5. Out like a light: To fall asleep very quickly, usually because of extreme tiredness.
  • As soon as his head hit the pillow, he was out like a light.
  • I was so tired after the flight that I went out like a light.
  • The baby cried for an hour, but now she is out like a light.

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1: Gap Fill

Complete the sentences using the correct missing word from the idioms we studied.

1. After a 12-hour shift at the hospital, Sarah went home and was out like a .

2. The journalist's hard work finally brought the corruption to .

3. Please don't make of the situation; your friend is very sad.

4. The manager finally gave the light for the marketing team to launch the website.

5. The English course is almost over! I can finally see the light at the end of the .

Activity 2: Definition Matching (Drag & Drop)

Drag the definitions (blue boxes) and drop them next to the correct idiom.

A. To give permission to start something.

B. To treat something as if it is not a serious matter.

C. To fall asleep immediately.

D. To reveal a secret or a hidden fact.

E. To feel hopeful that a bad or stressful situation will end soon.

1. Bring to light

2. Give the green light

3. Make light of

4. Out like a light

5. See the light at the end of the tunnel

Activity 3: Multiple Choice

Choose the best option to complete each short conversation.

1. A: "Is the director okay with the new budget?"
B: "Yes, she just..."

a) saw the light at the end of the tunnel.

b) gave us the green light.

c) went out like a light.

2. A: "I heard John was exhausted yesterday."
B: "Yeah, he sat on the couch and was..."

a) out like a light.

b) bringing it to light.

c) making light of it.

3. A: "Why are the employees so upset with the boss?"
B: "Because he keeps..."

a) seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

b) giving the green light.

c) making light of their problems.

4. A: "Did the police find out what happened to the stolen money?"
B: "Yes, a new witness..."

a) made light of the crime.

b) brought the truth to light.

c) went out like a light.

5. A: "This semester has been so stressful, but there are only two weeks left!"
B: "Hang in there! We can finally..."

a) see the light at the end of the tunnel.

b) bring it to light.

c) give the green light.