lightning

Universal Words noun, adjective noun [U] a flash, or several flashes, of very bright light in the sky caused by electricity: a flash of lightning * a violent storm with thunder and lightning * He was struck by lightning and killed. * (AmE) Lightning strikes caused scores of fires across the state. IDIOMS lightning never strikes (in the same place) twice (saying) an unusual or unpleasant event is not likely to happen in the same place or to the same people twice like (greased) lightning very fast: He leapt out of the car like lightning. adjective very fast or sudden: to move at / with lightning speed * Police made a lightning raid on the house.