shed light upon

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does shed light upon mean? In what situations is shed light upon used?

Meaning of "shed light upon"

Meaning

The phrase "shed light upon" is an idiomatic expression which is used to signify explanation, clarification, and the imparting of knowledge or understanding. It is usually used to describe a process of revelation, or bringing to light of facts that were previously unknown or mysterious. The idea behind the phrase is that understanding a particular concept or situation can be obtained through further illumination or study.

Etymology

The phrase “shed light upon” is rooted in the physical understanding of light as a source of knowledge. Dating back to the early 1520s, the word “shed” is derived from the Middle English word “shedde”, meaning “to cause to spread or flow,” while “light” was derived from the Old English word “lēoht”, meaning “shining, brightness.” Together, these two terms convey the idea of illumination, or an explanation of something mysterious, which is the function of the phrase when used in modern contexts.

Usage

The phrase “shed light upon” can be used to describe a variety of situations, but the most obvious usage is when someone is attempting to explain something that is not obvious or easily understood. In other cases, it can be used to describe a situation where someone is trying to make a point or come to a conclusion about a particular issue. Additionally, it can be used to describe the uncovering of previously unknown or mysterious facts. For example, a professor might say “My research has shed light upon the origin of the universe” to describe a situation in which previously unanswered questions about the origin of the universe have been answered.

Example Sentences

• The trial shed light upon the murderer's secret dealings.
• The new evidence shed light upon the unsolved mystery.
• The survey will shed light upon the public's opinion regarding the new policy.
• The professor's lecture shed light upon the history of ancient civilizations.
• The autopsy report shed light upon the cause of death.

The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms

Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.