twinkle

a twinkle in (one's) daddy's eye

A phrase used to describe the time before one's birth. I never knew my grandparents. They died when I was just a twinkle in my daddy's eye. Don't lecture me on proper grammar, intern! I've been editing this newspaper since you were just a twinkle in your daddy's eye!
See also: eye, twinkle

in the twinkle of an eye

Immediately; very quickly; at once. (A variant of the more common "in the twinkling of an eye.") Just call us on this number if you have any problems, and we'll be back in the twinkle of an eye. Don't worry, boss, I'll have this report typed up in the twinkle of an eye!
See also: eye, of, twinkle

twinkle in (one's) eye

1. A facial expression that denotes happiness, amusement, or knowledge of a secret. Just when Rita thought all hope was lost, Jared got a twinkle in his eye that told her he had a plan to get them both out of that sticky situation.
2. A hope or plan that is not yet in existence. You were not even a twinkle in your mother's eye when that photo was taken.
See also: eye, twinkle

twinkle in (one's) father's eye

A phrase used to describe the time before one's birth. I never knew my grandparents; they died when I was just a twinkle in my father's eye.
See also: eye, twinkle

twinkle with (something)

1. To flicker or glimmer with intermittent gleams coming from or reflecting off of something. The tree twinkled with the beautiful strings of lights. Her dress positively twinkled with sequins.
2. Of eyes, to seem bright because of some emotion or action. The kids' eyes twinkled with excitement as we pulled into the amusement park. My grandfather's eyes always twinkled with mischief whenever he told that story.
See also: twinkle

when (one) was a twinkle in (one's) daddy's eye

At or before one was born. I never knew my grandparents—they died when I was a twinkle in my daddy's eye. I was editing this newspaper when you were just a twinkle in your daddy's eye, so don't presume to lecture me on proper grammar!
See also: eye, twinkle

when (one) was a twinkle in (one's) father's eye

Before one was born. I never knew my grandparents—they died when I was a twinkle in my father's eye.
See also: eye, twinkle
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

twinkle with something

[for someone's eyes] to sparkle because of something. Her eyes twinkled with laughter. Tom's eyes twinkled with recognition when he saw Gwen again.
See also: twinkle
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

a twinkle in someone's eye

or

a gleam in someone's eye

If a plan or project is only a twinkle in or a gleam in someone's eye, it is only at the stage of being considered as a possibility. Projects that a few years back were just a twinkle in the planners' eyes are now bricks and cement. At this point, space-launched weapons were still only a gleam in his eye. Note: You can also talk about a glint in someone's eye. The European central bank was still no more than a glint in its creators' eyes. Note: Words such as gleam, glint and twinkle can be used to describe the way people's eyes shine or reflect the light. They often suggest hidden energy, emotion, or humour and refer to the excitement of having a particular idea before putting it into practice.
See also: eye, twinkle
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a twinkle in someone's eye

something that is still in the pre-planning stage and on which no action has yet been taken, especially a child not as yet conceived. informal
See also: eye, twinkle
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a twinkle in (one's) daddy's eye
  • daddy
  • twinkle in (one's) father's eye
  • when (one) was a twinkle in (one's) daddy's eye
  • when (one) was a twinkle in (one's) father's eye
  • in the twinkle of an eye
  • in time
  • in (one's) time
  • spoil
  • spoil (one) rotten
References in periodicals archive
Twinkle is inspired by her art dreams and her heritage journeys, research and encounters with artisans and tribes from around the Philippine Islands, creating ethically- and ethnically-sourced and sustainably-made clothing, textiles and accessories that take the wearer from day to night.
Would you like some Filipino designer FASHION with your pizza?
According to Twinkle, the credit certainly goes to her mother who manages home and the diets of the girls, as they train throughout the year.
Powerlifting quartet ready for Pakistan's Asian challenge
The new bosses didn't think Twinkle fit their mold and pulled support for the album.
ACT II: A singer discovers her half-brother--and revives her career
Even as Twinkle sparred with Bhagat, Twitter continued exploding with mostly adverse comments on his form on the show.
Twinkle and Chetan match wits on social media
Twinkle is now recovering at Flintshire Wildlife & Pet Rescue.
Plea to help pay PS1,500 bill for treating cat's horrific injuries
Muscat: Oman Cricket Team Muscat 'A' was undone by Twinkle Bhandari's ton (101: 141 balls, 2 fours, 1 six) as they lost their debut match in the Muscat Pharmacy sponsored A Division League at the Ministry ground in Al Amerat yesterday.
Twinkle denies OCT Muscat A
The author and illustrator was inspired by a bright morning star to create her stories of Mrs Twinkle taking a young boy on whirlwind visits around Sydney Harbour, the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru.
Wadsworth, Annabelle: Simon Meets Mrs Twinkle for the First Time
The alleged live-in partner of Bollywood's first superstar claimed that Dimple and her daughter Twinkle has forcibly taken thumb impressions of the late actor on legal papers.
Dimple, Twinkle Took Rajesh Khanna's Thumb Impressions On Legal Papers, Claims Anita Advani
The animal, which has been named Twinkle, is staying at a foster home with a member of staff as the centre's cattery is full.
Dumped kitten needs a home
Stars closer to the horizon appear to twinkle more than stars overhead because the light of stars near the horizon has to travel through more air so there is more refraction.
YOU ASK & WE ANSWER; Your say
Charlotte Turner Primary School abuts the Park (in its southern edge, while south of the school is Charlotte Turner Gardens, sister park to Twinkle Park.
Twinkle twinkle little star
Of special note is their new instruction manual for children, "The Big Books of Children's Songs for Little Guitar Pickers" (TS104, $17.95) offering 177 pages of traditional songs from Hot Cross Buns to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, each number being specifically designed for absolute beginners in thoroughly 'kid friendly' arrangements.
Santorella Publications, Ltd
One night with my living room lit only by the white twinkle lights on my Christmas tree, the now familiar shadow with many legs scuttled across the wall yet again.
Starting point
Those who twinkle as they work in their chosen profession.
Inaugural address
TWINKLE CANDY, A DIVISION OF WALNUT, Calif.-based Leo Arretin, Inc., is introducing a new line of confection products for the grocery industry next month at the 2005 All Candy Expo, Booth 446.
Sweets for the sweet