student asking question

Can I use the phrase "light up" for the electronics, even though it doesn't literally indicate a fire?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Absolutely! "Light up" isn't just to indicate a fire is being lit, but also to mean that something has suddenly brightened. You can use this in relation to electronics, and even to refer to the action of smiling suddenly. Ex: Her face lit up when she saw the surprise. => Her face brightened/she smiled widely when she saw the surprise. Ex: Is this computer broken? The screen isn't lighting up. => The screen isn't turning on/producing a light.

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