eyes light up

idiom

used to say that someone looks excited and happy
Her eyes lit up when he showed her the ring.

Examples of eyes light up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In an interview last year, Friedlander was told that many people’s eyes light up hearing her name. Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2025 And as Common would say, what makes their eyes light up? Jean Eddy, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 The ones in this Air Mail editor’s life barely get excited about anything remotely practical, but when shown the Holiday Case—the latest release from Rimowa—their eyes light up. Air Mail, 5 Apr. 2025 Given the way his eyes light up at the mention of Rick’s mom, this certainly seems like a possibility. Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025 Her eyes light up as The Substance producer Eric Fellner comes into view. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2025 His eyes light up when talking about pumpkins, especially the endless varieties grown at his farm a mile outside downtown Morton. Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024 There’s something magical about the process—the excitement of choosing the perfect present, the suspense of keeping it a secret and the anticipation of seeing their eyes light up. Mark Travers, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 In Election Betting Markets After First Presidential Debate Her eyes light up with the same passion that fueled her journey from a farm girl in Kwara State to a trailblazing entrepreneur. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Eyes light up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eyes%20light%20up. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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