light dawns

light dawns (on one)

Something suddenly becomes clear, certain, or fully understandable to one. The light dawned when I remembered that my grandfather had been stationed in Japan many years ago. It wasn't until I was able to say it out loud that the light dawned on me about what really happened.
See also: dawn, light
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

light dawns

If light dawns, you suddenly realize or understand something. I didn't realize they were a couple till I saw them together last night and the light suddenly dawned. Note: You can also say that light dawns on someone. `Oh!' she said, as if the light had finally dawned on her. `I'm on the wrong floor, huh?'
See also: dawn, light
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • light dawned
  • light dawned, the
  • light dawns (on one)
  • dawn (up)on (one)
  • dawn on
  • be light years away from
  • clear up
  • (one) could be forgiven for (doing something)
  • (one) will be forgiven for (doing something)
  • forgive
References in classic literature
Then light dawned on him, and with it came a momentary rush of indignation.
The Age of Innocence
Now a strange light dawned in her eyes, and in a moment she was lost in thought.
Puddnhead Wilson
But in that quick interchange a new light dawned. Was that something" walking in the dark among the surburban hills?
Howards End
A light dawned on Flambeau's face, and he said: "There was something else written by Quinton, some other words.
The Innocence Of Father Brown
A light dawned upon his dusky soul, as he thought, through a speech of Mrs.
Vanity Fair
Until that light dawns, most educators, businesses and communities will continue to struggle with mediocre results.
Attracting and retaining Millennials
Psalm 85 -- Reading this psalm I immediately hear the words to the hymn, "Light Dawns on A Weary World" (ELW 726).
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost July 15, 2012 (lectionary 15)
Eventually light dawns, and Clara leaves her glasshouse for the world.
Collins, Paul (text) Jo Thompson (illus.): The Glasshouse
It seems no one is sure who first uttered the old wisecrack "Light dawns on Marblehead," but it seems that light has finally begun to dawn on Beacon Hill, as well, with talk that the state should devise a mechanism to divert more of its capital gains tax revenue into reserve accounts as a way of tamping down the volatility that comes with economic booms and busts.
Capital idea; Diverting tax revenue to reserves
It is only in the final surrender, when nothing is left to give, that the limitless light dawns.
Step aside, says the Baptist, for Jesus
But as the fascicules or volumes appear a new light dawns on the project.
Series Episcoporum Ecclesiae Catholicae Occidentalis ab initio usque ad Annum MCXCVIII, Series 6, 2 vols