lightning in a bottle

noun3

1. •
   That which one seeks in attempting a difficult or challenging feat.

   • Their fate remained in doubt until the very last game of the season. This truly was a team that captured lightning in a bottle. — 1992
2. •
   A very difficult, unlikely or lucky achievement or period of success.
3. •
   Ephemeral state or atmosphere, as at a startup company or artistic group.