THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
A ray of sunshine
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
A cheerful person who makes other people feel happier.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Our new volunteer is a ray of sunshine on busy mornings.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Our new volunteer is ________ on busy mornings.
Show the answer
A ray of sunshine — A cheerful person who makes other people feel happier.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “A ray of sunshine” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
A cheerful person who makes other people feel happier.
Compare: Our new volunteer is a ray of sunshine on busy mornings.
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GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it warmly to praise someone whose positive presence lifts your mood, especially during a difficult time. It suits personal conversation.
More examples in context
- Nina was a ray of sunshine during a difficult week at work.
- The cheerful little boy next door is a ray of sunshine whenever he visits.
Usage note
For this meaning, describe a person as a ray of sunshine. The words can also refer literally to sunlight, so make the context clear.
A short conversation
A: You seem happier after your visitor left.
B: My niece is a ray of sunshine. She always makes me laugh.
A: I am glad she could come.
One more practice question
Who would you most naturally call a ray of sunshine?
A. A cheerful colleague who lifts everyone’s spirits.
B. A colleague who repeatedly makes everyone feel miserable.
Check your answer
A. A ray of sunshine is a person who brings happiness to others.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.