live wire: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (common for the figurative meaning in informal contexts)Informal/Conversational for figurative meaning; Technical for literal meaning.
Quick answer
What does “live wire” mean?
A wire that is electrically charged, posing a danger if touched.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wire that is electrically charged, posing a danger if touched.
A person who is energetic, dynamic, and full of vitality; someone who is a source of excitement and activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both use the term identically in literal and figurative contexts.
Connotations
Figurative use is overwhelmingly positive, implying admiration for the person's energy and charisma.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English for the figurative meaning, but well-established in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “live wire” in a Sentence
[BE] a live wire[BE] like a live wireVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “live wire” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He's a live-wire presenter, full of unpredictable energy.
- The live-wire circuit must be handled with extreme care.
American English
- She's a live-wire entrepreneur, always starting new ventures.
- Never touch a live-wire connection without proper tools.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"She's the live wire of our marketing department, always coming up with new ideas."
Academic
Rare, except in technical engineering contexts describing electrical systems.
Everyday
"My toddler is a real live wire; he never stops moving!"
Technical
"Ensure the live wire is properly insulated before proceeding with the installation."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “live wire”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “live wire”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “live wire”
- Confusing 'live' (adj. /laɪv/) with 'live' (verb. /lɪv/).
- Using it in overly formal contexts where a simpler term like 'dynamic' would be more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. While it hints at unpredictability, the connotation is overwhelmingly positive, focusing on energy rather than threat. A 'loose cannon' is better for a dangerous, unpredictable person.
No. In 'live wire', 'live' is an adjective pronounced /laɪv/ (rhymes with 'dive'). The verb 'to live' is pronounced /lɪv/ (rhymes with 'give').
Yes, metaphorically. A tense or volatile political issue can be called a 'live wire' (e.g., 'The border dispute remains a live wire').
Common informal opposites include 'couch potato' (lazy) or 'stick-in-the-mud' (boring, unadventurous). More formally, you could say 'a lethargic individual' or 'a passive person'.
A wire that is electrically charged, posing a danger if touched.
Live wire is usually informal/conversational for figurative meaning; technical for literal meaning. in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a wire buzzing with dangerous electrical LIVE energy. A 'live wire' person buzzes with the same kind of exciting, contagious energy.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENERGY IS ELECTRICITY. A person is a conduit for exciting, active force.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'live wire' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?