A Spark Is a Real Thing Before It Is a Metaphor
A spark is a small fiery particle. English uses it constantly for the beginning of ideas, feelings and conflicts.
A spark is a small fiery particle thrown off by burning or striking. The metaphor is so productive that English rarely notices it: a spark of interest, a spark of genius, sparking a debate, sparks flying between two people, and the spark that lit the powder keg. Each borrows the same physical fact — something tiny that starts something large. In electricity a spark is a discharge across a gap, which is what a *spark plug* produces.
- A fiery particle. *Sparks from the fire.*
- A small trace. *A spark of hope.*
- To trigger. *Sparked a debate.*
- Spark plug — an ignition device. *A spark plug.*
- Old English — *spearca*. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | spark | A spark. |
| Plural | sparks | Sparks. |
| Verb | spark | Spark it. |
| Adjective | sparkling | Sparkling. |
| Verb | sparkle | Sparkle. |
- Sparks rose from the bonfire.Fire.
- The report sparked an inquiry.Trigger.
- There was a spark of hope.Trace.
Spark in figurative use
- Spark an idea — start a train of thought
- Spark off — trigger a chain of events
- Sparks fly — sudden conflict or attraction
- A spark of genius — a small brilliant flash
- Bright spark — British, often ironic, for a clever person
Old English *spearca*, a glowing particle thrown from a fire, of Germanic origin.
What does a spark plug do?
It creates an electrical discharge across a small gap, igniting the fuel and air mixture in a petrol engine's cylinder.
What does bright spark mean?
In British English it means a clever person, though it is often used ironically about someone who has just done something foolish.