1
general::
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]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): *a bright idea
a clever thought or new idea. (*Typically: have ~; get ~; give someone ~.) • Now and then I get a bright idea. • John hardly ever gets a bright idea.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs