lights (redirected from punches lights out)

the bright lights

exciting and attractive people and places in big cities. I went in search of the bright lights, but all I found was poverty and loneliness.

See also: bright

have/see your name in lights (informal)

to be famous for your work in film, theatre, music etc.. She accepted the few badly-paid roles she was offered and continued to dream of seeing her name in lights.

See also: name, see

The lights are on but nobody's/no-one's home. (humorous)

something that you say when you think someone is stupid, or when someone does not react because they are thinking about something else. It's no good expecting John to say anything. The lights are on but no-one's home.

See also: but, home

punch someone's lights out (informal)

to hit someone hard again and again. He wouldn't shut up so I punched his lights out.

See also: punch

---

your name in lights

to be famous and have your work recognized as especially important. He was never interested in seeing his name in lights – he was always too busy having fun.

Usage notes: also used with see: I want to see my name in lights for writing this book!

Etymology: based on the brightly lit signs used to advertise the names of the most important actors in a show

See also: name