a. a light on top of a tram

b. a light at the back of a vehicle

2 a strip light

a. an electric light in the shape of a thin glass tube

b. a high street lamp

3 a hazard light

a. a red light that tells vehicles to stop

b. a light that warns people of a possible danger

4 a light bulb

a. a very weak light of any sort

b. a glass globe that produces electric light

5 a leading light

a. someone who is very poorly paid

b. an important and respected person

Light verbs

Match these phrases with their meanings

1 to come to light

2 to be all sweetness and light

3 to give the green light

4 to be in the limelight

5 to catch light

a. to be very calm and friendly

b. to become known (facts)

c. to burst into flames

d. to give a project the go-ahead

e. to be in the public eye

Shine a light

Choose the correct phrase to complete these sentences

1 Have you noticed the (leading light / rear light) on the car isn't working?

2 It has (caught light / come to light) that Mr Chan's will is not genuine.

3 I want a (rear light / strip light) on the ceiling above my bed.

4 The headmaster has (given the green light / been all sweetness and light) to my idea of organising a charity day at school.

5 There should be a (hazard light / light bulb) near the hole in the road in front of the office.

6 It was terrible. She touched the curtains accidentally with her cigarette and they (gave the green light / caught light) immediately.

7 Have you never changed a (light bulb / leading light)?

8 I am pleased my novel is a success but I hate (being in the limelight / catching light).

9 My brother is the (leading light / rear light) in the school dramatic society.

10 Her personality is so boring. She is (sweetness and light / catches light) all the time.

Light expressions

Match these useful expressions with their meanings

1 in the cold light of day

2 his face lit up

3 light years away

4 I've just seen the light

5 in light of what you said

a. taking time to think about something clearly and calmly

b. a long time into the future

c. he suddenly looked very happy

d. because of what you said

e. I've just realised what the truth is

The best expression

Choose the best phrase from 'Light expressions' to complete these sentences

1 ........... , I have decided not to apply for that job.

2 ........... , I have no alternative but to hand in my notice.

3 ........... when he saw Maggie walk into the room.

4 ........... , and now I know exactly what I must do.

5 The day when I have enough money to stop working is ..................

Answers:

Light nouns: 1. b, 2. a, 3. b, 4. b, 5. b

Light verbs: 1. b, 2. a, 3. d, 4. e, 5. c

Shine a light: 1. rear light, 2. come to light, 3. strip light, 4. given the green light 5. hazard light, 6. caught light, 7. light bulb, 8. being in the limelight, 9. leading light, 10. is sweetness and light

Light expressions: 1. a, 2. c, 3. b, 4. e, 5. d

The best expression: 1. 1; 2. 5; 3. 2; 4. 4; 5. 3