spark plug
spark plug — noun
1. A small part screwed into an engine block that fires a tiny electric spark. The
A small part screwed into an engine block that fires a tiny electric spark. The spark burns the fuel, starting the engine and keeping it running.
Mei's mechanic replaced the spark plugs, and her car started easily again.
replace + spark plugs
A failed spark plug makes the engine sound rough and hard to start.
spark plug fails → engine trouble
Emre checked the spark plugs in his lawnmower before cutting the overgrown grass.
Kasia pulled the worn spark plug from her scooter and pedalled to the shop for a new one.
Marta paid a small fee to have new spark plugs fitted in her delivery van.
- ignition plug
a more technical term used mainly in engineering and repair manuals
- sparking plug
an older British term, now largely replaced by 'spark plug' in everyday use
用法筆記
Used only for petrol (gasoline) engines. Diesel engines use glow plugs instead — the two parts work on different principles and are not interchangeable.
常見錯誤
2. A person whose energy pushes a group into action, keeping everyone moving and ge
A person whose energy pushes a group into action, keeping everyone moving and getting things done.
Sahil was the spark plug behind the weekend park clean-up — nothing moved without him.
the spark plug behind [project]
The marketing team lost its spark plug when Beatriz moved to a different company.
Apinya was the spark plug of the restaurant kitchen, rallying the tired crew through a packed Saturday shift.
Amani was the quiet spark plug of the student council, always pushing projects to completion.
Without a spark plug like Hiro, the charity event would have fallen flat.
- driving force
similar meaning but less informal; often used about ideas or principles, not just people
- catalyst
more formal; suggests a single action or presence that triggers change
- dynamo
emphasises non-stop personal energy; can sound slightly old-fashioned
- mover and shaker
implies power and influence in a professional setting, not just enthusiasm
用法筆記
Frequently used with 'the' and followed by 'behind', 'of', or 'in' to name the group or activity the person energises. More common in American English.