through a glass darkly

Cultural  

1. To see “through a glass” — a mirror — “darkly” is to have an obscure or imperfect vision of reality. The expression comes from the writings of the Apostle Paul; he explains that we do not now see clearly, but at the end of time, we will do so.

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Example Sentences

Has something of the elemental feel of a 19th-century tintype — the world seen through a glass, darkly.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 2022

This time, however, we see them through a glass darkly, and as the pages turn, “The Morning Star” reveals itself to be the evil twin of “My Struggle.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2021

“It’s seeing through a glass darkly, as it were,” Eichelberger says.

From Science Magazine • Sep. 14, 2021

“I understand that the deep mysteries of life are forever beyond scientific knowledge and ‘now we see through a glass darkly; then face to face,’” she added, quoting 1 Corinthians 13:12.

From Washington Times • May 20, 2021

"For now we see as through a glass darkly but then—but then —" I couldn't remember the rest.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison