live wire

live wire

1. A wire through which electricity is running. The power cable was severed when the car hit the pole, and the end of the live wire fell onto the windshield.
2. A very lively or energetic person. Greg's such a live wire that it's tough to keep up with his stories!
See also: live, wire
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

live wire

A highly alert or energetic person. For example, Sally's a real live wire; she brightens up any gathering. This metaphoric term transfers a wire carrying electric current to a lively individual. [c. 1900]
See also: live, wire
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

a live wire

A live wire is a very lively and energetic person. She is a wonderful girl, a real live wire and full of fun. Note: A live wire is an electric wire or cable that has an electric current running through it.
See also: live, wire
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

live wire

an energetic and unpredictable person. informal
See also: live, wire
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a live ˈwire

(informal) a lively and enthusiastic person: You must invite her to your party — she’s a real live wire. We need a live wire like him in this department. Let’s give him the job. OPPOSITE: a wet blanket
A wire that is live is connected to a source of electrical power, so has a great deal of energy.
See also: live, wire
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

(live) wire

n. an energetic and vivacious person. With a wire like Taylor in charge, things will get done, that’s for sure.
See also: live, wire
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • a live wire
  • under the wire
  • down to the wire
  • hold the wire
  • wire for
  • wire for (something)
  • come down to the wire
  • go, come, etc. down to the wire
  • go down to the wire
  • suck from
References in periodicals archive
The key issue of Live Wire algorithms is the construction of the cost function.
An interactive method based on the live wire for segmentation of the breast in mammography images
In addition to the site, Live Wire Media is distributing its 10-part video series titled "In Search of Character" for use in middle school and high school classrooms.
Web site, videos offer character education resources. (EduNet: Internet * Web * Online Content and Services)
Live Wire, which began its second academic year this fall, is the newest of the nation's four student news services.
A live-wire idea takes shape: tales from the early days of a student news service
TOBA TEK SINGH -- A teenager was electrocuted to death when he touched a live wire in Chak 150-GB Jaggowali on Friday.
Teen electrocuted while catching pigeon
Accidentally, he touched a live wire and received severe electric shock.
Youth electrocuted to death
Initial investigation from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) showed that the pilot hit a live wire while performing aerial spraying of a banana farm at 6:53 a.m.
Agricultural pilot dies as plane hits power lines in Davao
In another incident, nine-year-old Sameena Bibi electrocuted when she touched a live wire passing near roof top of his the house.
Two killed, eight injured in separate incidents
Bryan Carbonell, 13, and his brother John Prince, 11, accidentally stepped on a live wire connected to a poultry farm.
2 boys electrocuted in La Union
They did not have any idea that a live wire was passing through the balcony of the building.
Canadian electrocuted to death in Telangana
Elsewhere, a man was electrocuted in Mukuru slums after he stepped on a live wire in a flooded area.
Two suspected thugs shot dead in Korogocho slums
A MAN is in hospital after suffering an electric shock while cutting a live wire in a derelict building.
Power cable injury
Rubber insulation on an extension cable powering a light in the loft had worn to expose a live wire.
Girl, 13, was electrocuted helping with decorations
Here, thieves ripped out the live wire, stole the copper cabling from it and left live wires fully exposed.
'Idiots' risking lives; Worrying trend of thieves targeting electricity sub-stations
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A gang of thieves spent a whole night taking pounds 40,000 of equipment out of Skelmersdale-based electrical company Live Wire North West's office and workshop.
Firm battles back after blaze attack; Thieves ransack and then torch business