light up
Meaning
To illuminate something or to show sudden happiness and excitement, often causing a person's face to glow.
Origin
The phrase 'light up' fundamentally derives from the ancient human act of dispelling darkness, initially referring to the ignition of a fire or lamp. However, its more evocative modern usage, describing a face or eyes showing sudden joy, emerged powerfully in the 19th and 20th centuries. This metaphorical leap connected the physical act of illumination with an internal emotional radiance. A person's features, especially their eyes, were envisioned as suddenly glowing with happiness, much like a sudden flame or an activated light source, transforming a simple verb into a captivating descriptor of visible inner delight.
Examples
- The entire stadium began to light up as fans activated their phone flashlights.
- Her eyes would always light up whenever he walked into the room, a clear sign of her affection.