Cast a shadow Meaning in English
expression
ˈkæst/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈʃæˌdoʊ
KAST uh SHAD-oh
kˈɑːst/ /æɪ/ /ʃˈædəʊ
KAHST uh SHAD-oh
Definition
To produce an area of darkness by blocking light. This phrase can also mean to make something seem less positive or create doubt or sadness.
Usage & Nuances
This expression is literal (physical shadow) or figurative (emotional effect: 'cast a shadow over...'). In figurative use, it's often about bad news, doubt, or a negative feeling influencing something positive.
Spanish: proyectar una sombra - ensombrecer (sentido figurado)Portuguese (BR): lançar uma sombra - lançar dúvidas (figurado)Portuguese (PT): lançar uma sombra - ensombrar (figurado)Chinese (Simplified): 投下阴影Chinese (Traditional): 投下陰影Hindi: छाया डालना - निराशा फैलाना (रूपक अर्थ)Arabic: يُلقي بظلالهBengali: ছায়া ফেলা - ছায়া সৃষ্টি করাRussian: отбрасывать тень - навевать мрак (переносное значение)Japanese: 影を落とすVietnamese: tạo bóng - phủ bóng (nghĩa bóng)Korean: 그림자를 드리우다 - 어둠을 드리우다 (비유적)Turkish: gölge düşürmekUrdu: سایہ ڈالناIndonesian: menebarkan bayangan - memberikan suasana muram (makna kiasan)
Example Sentences
The tree casts a shadow on the ground.
basic
The clouds cast a shadow over the city.
basic
The building casts a shadow on the park every afternoon.
basic
The news of her illness cast a shadow over the celebration.
natural
Doubts about the project cast a shadow on its success.
natural
His past mistakes still cast a shadow over his reputation.
natural