Hledat
to shed light on something
01
to provide clarification, understanding, or insight into a topic, situation, or problem
Idiom
What is the origin of the idiom "shed light on something" and when to use it?
The idiom "shed light on something" comes from the literal act of illuminating something to make it visible or clearer. Historically, before the advent of electric lighting, people used candles, lanterns, or other sources of light to see in the dark. This practical need to illuminate objects and surroundings naturally extended into metaphorical use. Thus, "shedding light" on a subject came to mean providing insight or clarity, helping to understand or reveal information that was previously obscure or hidden.
Příklad
Extragalactic astronomy sheds light on cosmic evolution.
The archaeologists unearthed ancient artifacts that shed light on the Gordian civilization.
Through her poetry, she gave voice to the emotions and experiences of marginalized communities, shedding light on their struggles.
Historical phonetics studies how speech sounds shift over time, shedding light on the intricate patterns of language change.
The literate journalist's investigative reporting sheds light on important societal issues, sparking public discourse and debate.