catch the light
if something catches the light, it shines because it is reflecting light

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

shine to produce bright light:
The sun was shining.
flash to shine brightly for a very short time, or to shine on and off very quickly many times:
Lightning flashed across the sky.
The police car’s lights were flashing.
glare to shine with a very strong light which hurts your eyes:
The sun glared in her eyes.
flicker to shine with an unsteady light – used about a flame or light:
The candle flickered and went out.
twinkle if stars or lights twinkle, they shine in the dark in a way that seems to change from bright to faint, especially because you are a long way away from them:
stars twinkling in the sky
The harbour lights twinkled in the distance.
glow especially literary to shine with a warm soft light:
Lights glowed in the windows.
blaze literary to shine very brightly:
The lights of the factory were still blazing.
sparkle/glitter if something sparkles, it shines with many small bright points when light is on it:
The sea sparkled in the sunlight.
Jewels glittered around her neck.
gleam to shine by reflecting the light – used especially about smooth clean surfaces, or about someone’s eyes or teeth:
The sword’s blade gleamed.
a gleaming sports car
His blue eyes gleamed with amusement.
glint to shine with quick flashes of light:
The knife glinted in the sunlight.
glisten literary to shine – used about wet or oily surfaces. Used especially when saying that someone’s eyes are full of tears, or someone’s skin is covered in sweat:
As they were leaving, her eyes glistened with tears.
His forehead was glistening with sweat.
The wet chairs glistened in the afternoon sun.
catch the light if something catches the light, it shines because it is reflecting light:
Her diamond ring caught the light.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲