live wire

[lahyv] /laɪv/
noun, Informal.
1.
an energetic, keenly alert person.
Origin
1900-05, Americanism
Examples from the web for live wire
  • One of the light's metal screws can contact an internal live wire.
  • It was then that the patient reportedly made contact with a live wire.
  • Adds requirements for covers, grounding and live wire exposure in the electricity code.
British Dictionary definitions for live wire

live wire

/laɪv/
noun
1.
(informal) an energetic or enterprising person
2.
a wire carrying an electric current
Slang definitions & phrases for live wire

live wire

noun phrase

An energetic, vibrant person: Jimmy's a live wire, all right (1909+)


Idioms and Phrases with live wire

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 ]