began

begin by (doing something)

To start by taking a particular action. We will begin by stretching. I began by checking out all the library books I would need for my research. We will begin by discussing the issue of the stolen packages.

See also: begin, by

begin to see daylight

To realize that one is approaching the end of a project or task. When I scheduled my thesis defense, I began to see daylight after two years of hard work. Wait, those are the only boxes left to unpack? Are we actually beginning to see daylight here? You're up to the T's in the alphabetization project? That's great—you've begun to see daylight!

See also: begin, daylight, see, to

begin to see the light

To start to understand something, especially something that one was previously confused about or skeptical of. Tutoring helped me begin to see the light about these physics equations. I used to wonder why people disliked Lydia, but I began to see the light after I caught her making fun of me. No, I've always thought that guy was a total con artist. I'm so glad you've begun to see the light!

See also: begin, light, see, to

begin with (someone or something)

To start with someone or something; to have someone or something be the first in a series. Let's begin with stretching and then we'll move on to cardio. You'll all have time to share about your summer vacations, but Caroline, we'll begin with you. All right, let's begin with discussing the issue of the stolen packages.

See also: begin

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

begin to see daylight

Fig. to begin to see the end of a long task. I've been working on my thesis for two years, and at last I'm beginning to see daylight. I've been so busy. Only in the last week have I begun to see daylight.

See also: begin, daylight, see, to

begin to see the light

Fig. to begin to understand something. (See also see the light (at the end of the tunnel).) My algebra class has been hard for me, but I'm beginning to see the light. I was totally confused, but I began to see the light after your explanation.

See also: begin, light, see, to

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

begin to see daylight

Realize that a task is finally nearing completion, that success or the right solution is near at hand. For example, I've been working on this experiment for two years and I'm finally beginning to see daylight . The noun daylight has been a metaphor for knowledge and solution since the late 1600s. Also see light at the end of the tunnel; see the light.

See also: begin, daylight, see, 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.