bright lights, big city

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

the allure and excitement of urban life, especially the glamour, entertainment, opportunity, and stimulation that draw people from rural areas or smaller towns to major cities; the phrase conjures images of neon signs, nightlife, and the promise of fame or success; used both admiringly and critically, it can imply a naive fascination with superficial urban spectacle that obscures the harder realities of city life