light on
C1 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To find something without really looking for it, or to land gently on something.
Literal meaning: For a bird or insect to land gently on a surface — the figurative sense extends this to ideas or discoveries.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
formal
To discover or find something by chance, without deliberate searching.
"Browsing in the library, she lit on an obscure manuscript that changed her research entirely."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 neutral
To land or settle gently on a surface (said of a bird, insect, or something falling softly).
"A butterfly lit on the flower for a moment before flying away."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Relatively formal and literary in both senses. 'Light upon' is an equivalent variant (see separate entry). More common in British English and older texts.
Commonly used with
idea solution answer discovery truth branch
Forms
Base
light on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lights on
he/she/it
Past simple
lighted on
yesterday
Past participle
lighted on
have + pp
-ing form
lighting on
continuous
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Synonyms
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