灵机一动

língjī-yídòng

a bright idea suddenly occurs (idiom); to hit upon an inspiration

HSK 7

漢字分解

Meaning and Usage

"灵机一动" describes the moment when someone suddenly has a clever or creative idea. It often implies a quick mental spark that leads to a solution or new thought.

Common Contexts

This phrase is frequently used in everyday conversation, storytelling, and business settings to highlight moments of inspiration or sudden insight.

Collocations and Patterns

Nuances

Using "灵机一动" emphasizes the spontaneity and unexpectedness of the idea. It is more vivid than simply saying "" (to think of).

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "灵机一动" with "机灵" (clever or smart person). "灵机一动" focuses on the moment of inspiration, not a person's general intelligence.

例文

他灵机一动,想出了一个解决问题的新方法。

Tā língjī yídòng, xiǎng chūle yí gè jiějué wèntí de xīn fāngfǎ.

He suddenly had a bright idea and came up with a new way to solve the

灵机一动,我决定马上给她打电话。

Língjī yídòng, wǒ juédìng mǎshàng gěi tā dǎ diànhuà.

Suddenly inspired, I decided to call her immediately.

在会议上,他灵机一动,提出了一个创新的方案。

Zài huìyì shàng, tā língjī yídòng, tíchūle yí gè chuàngxīn de fāng'àn.

During the meeting, he suddenly had a clever idea and proposed an innovative