by (one's) lights
Directed by or in accordance with one's own beliefs, convictions, or understanding. Never let someone else try to dictate who you are—you have to live by your own lights.
stop the lights
An expression of disbelief or incredulity. (Sometimes used ironically or disingenuously.) The phrase comes from the catchphrase from the Irish game show Quicksilver. Primarily heard in Ireland. A: "My aunt Edna won the lotto!" B: "Stop the lights, that's incredible news!" A: "My uncle Pat once met President Reagan, you know." B: "Ah here, stop the lights. Your uncle Pat's never even been to America!" Stop the lights, Jimmy's buying a round for everyone! I never thought I'd see the day!
guiding light
Someone who is influential or an inspiration to others. Mother Teresa was certainly a guiding light to many who shared her faith.
put (one's) lights out
To render someone unconscious with a punch. A: "Oh man, what happened?" B: "Well, you and Bart were fighting, and then Bart put your lights out." Wow, you're strong—you could put someone's lights out with a punch like that!
red light
1. noun On a traffic light, the color that means "stop." I pulled up to the red light and stopped the car. Please be careful driving out there—people are maniacs and don't even stop at red lights!
2. noun A message or signal to stop. I'm really not interested in dating Rob, and I thought I gave him a red light, but he keeps pursuing me nonetheless.
3. adjective (often hyphenated) Indicative of a brothel (due to the practice of using red lamps to show that an establishment is a brothel). Be careful if you venture into the red-light district, there are a lot of shady characters there.
according to (one's) own lights
Based on one's beliefs or inclinations. You may not agree with Kara's free-spirited lifestyle, but she has always lived according to her own lights.
the bright lights
exciting and attractive people and places in big cities I went in search of the bright lights, but all I found was poverty and loneliness.
See look on the bright sideThe lights are on but nobody's/no-one's home.
(humorous) something that you say when you think someone is stupid, or when someone does not react because they are thinking about something else It's no good expecting John to say anything. The lights are on but no-one's home.
See punch lights outhave/see your name in lights
(informal) to be famous for your work in film, theatre, music etc. She accepted the few badly-paid roles she was offered and continued to dream of seeing her name in lights.
punch somebody's lights out
(informal) to hit someone hard again and again He wouldn't shut up so I punched his lights out.
See beat to the punch, pack a punch