bring somebody/something to life

bring (someone or something) to life

1. Literally, to revive one who has lost consciousness. After Lily fainted, we used smelling salts to bring her to life. The patient was knocked out in a fight. What can we do to bring him to life? I have no idea what happened. All I remember is being at dinner and then being brought to life by a doctor in the emergency room.

2. By extension, to energize someone, especially after a period of inactivity or lethargy. A: "OK, schedule Tuesday's meeting, get John on the phone, and then come in my office so we can all discuss that big project." B: "Wow, that cup of coffee really brought you to life!" I'm going to have lunch outside. I really need the cold air to bring me to life for my presentation this afternoon. I'm feeling pretty sluggish, so I'm hoping this soda brings me to life.

3. To revitalize something that has become dull or stale. The new CEO's creative approach really brought that failing company to life. Our funding was dwindling when that grant brought our research project to life. The chief's unexpected praise really brought my floundering project to life.

See also: bring, life, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

bring someone or something to life

Fig. to give vigor or vitality to someone or something; to reactivate someone or something. (See also bring something back to life.) A little singing and dancing would have brought the play to life. Some coffee will bring you to life.

See also: bring, life, to

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

bring to life

Enliven or energize a person or thing. For example, The promise of a big part in the play brought Jane to life, or The author's changes really brought this screenplay to life. [c. 1300] Also see come to life.

See also: bring, life, to

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

bring somebody/something to ˈlife

make somebody/something more lively, interesting or attractive: It was only her performance that brought the movie to life. ♢ If you put a couple of pictures on the wall it might bring the room to life a bit.

See also: bring, life, somebody, something, to

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

bring to life

1. To cause to regain consciousness.

2. To put spirit into; animate.

3. To make lifelike.

See also: bring, life, to

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.