bright idea

1. A clever thought or plan. For example, John had a bright idea for saving space—we would each have a terminal but share the printer. This term uses bright in the sense of “intelligent” or “quick-witted” and may be employed either straightforwardly, as in the example above, or ironically, as in Jumping in the pool with your clothes on—that was some bright idea. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

In other words, developing that alternative must be a democratic process, not just one person’s bright idea.

From Salon

It turned out, however, that they were not the only ones with this bright idea.

From Slate

He came up with the bright idea of claiming that the actor was of Siberian Jewish heritage when learning the truth of his identity.

From Los Angeles Times

Add the bright idea of having Harris sit down with Barrymore to that column.

From Salon

About 30 camels — survivors of a bright idea about using these “ships of the desert” in the American West — were sent down from Ft.

From Los Angeles Times