flash of inspiration; insight; flair
Refers to a sudden creative idea, clever thought, or witty remark that comes to mind. Often used in contexts of problem-solving, art, or conversation.
A good idea flashed into my mind.
Describes the visual effect of something like a flag or cloth waving in the wind. Less common than the inspiration sense.
His jokes have a flash of wit.
The fluttering of the flag was visible from afar.
ひらめき is a flash of inspiration usually seen as insightful or brilliant, whereas 思いつき can carry a negative nuance of being careless or shallow.
Usually written in kana; the kanji form 閃き is also used but less common.
Kanji form; less common than kana but still encountered.
Derived from the verb ひらめく (to flash, to flutter). The inspiration sense likely comes from the metaphor of a sudden flash of light.