in a good light

Idioms  

1. Under favorable circumstances, as in They thought he'd make a wonderful mayor, but they'd only seen him in a good light, or The book portrayed their actions in a good light. Both this expression and its antonym, in a bad light, transfer physical light in which something can (or cannot) be seen clearly to figurative use. The literal terms date from the early 1500s.

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Example Sentences

“I thought I showed them in a good light but I guess they felt that I showed too many of the warts and not enough of the clear skin.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2025

Do you think people who are in frats will appreciate that "The Line" is authentic, even though the film doesn't paint them in a good light?

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2023

“So I think being able to make the country smile and celebrate — and showing the country in a good light — just puts a smile on everyone’s faces.”

From Washington Post • Mar. 2, 2023

"Person D" told the panel he was asked by Mr Spencer to make "illegitimate amendments" to attendance data to "show the school in a good light" and that this "dishonest practice" continued with other staff.

From BBC • May 13, 2022

When your Picture is up and in a good light I shall make a point of meeting you at the Academy if you will let me know when.

From Letters of John Keats to His Family and Friends by Keats, John