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gleam

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gleam 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 gleam 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 gleam in your mother's eye when that photo was taken.

See also: eye, gleam

gleam with something

to sparkle or shine with something. The crystal goblets gleamed with the sparkling candlelight. The glass gleamed with a bright reflection.

See also: gleam

a gleam in your eye

also a gleam in your eyes

something that is thought about or planned but not yet started I remember when that invention was just a gleam in his eyes.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of a gleam in your eye (a sudden expression of an emotion in your eye)

See also: eye, gleam