English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Live wire
Meaning
The idiom "live wire" means a person who is lively, energetic, enthusiastic, or full of life. It can also refer to someone who is highly sensitive or reactive, often in an emotional or physical sense. The figurative meaning of the idiom is that the person is always on the go, never sleeping or resting, and is constantly in motion.
Usage
- She's a live wire on stage, always full of energy and keeping the audience engaged.
- He's a live wire when it comes to sports, always eager to try new things and push himself to the limit.
- My sister is a live wire, always ready for an adventure and never afraid to take risks.
- The musician was a live wire on stage, his music and energy infectious to everyone in the audience.
- She's a live wire when it comes to work, always busy and always looking for new challenges.
Roots and History
The exact origins of the idiom "live wire" are uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the name of a type of electrical wire that was used to power early electric lights and appliances. These wires were known for being highly energized and always on the go, much like the people who are referred to as "live wires" today.
Synonyms in English
- Energetic
- Lively
- Enthusiastic
- Full of life
- Adventurous
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: Vigoroso/a
- French: Énergique
- German: Energiereich
- Italian: Vigoroso/a
- Chinese: 活力强的 (nǐ lì qiáng de)