shed light on

Idioms  

1. Also, throw light on. Clarify or explain, as in I was hoping the professor would shed light on how he arrived at his theory, or Can anyone throw some light on where these plants came from? Originally, from about 1200, these expressions were used literally, in the sense of “illuminate,” but they soon were used figuratively as well.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

shed light on

Recall announcements that MarketWatch reviewed shed light on which national brands may have made private-label products.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 16, 2026

She said many were in a state of shock, and comprehensive interviews that could shed light on the incident will only take place later on.

From Barron's ● Sep. 10, 2026

The fossils shed light on another major evolutionary transformation: the emergence of the modern insect body plan.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 27, 2026

The archive haul included papers, scripts and storyboards, but it also shed light on the long shadow cast by The Wicker Man.

From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2026

A lopsided moon popped up in the dusky sky, but it didn’t shed light on any Wonders.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney

Related Words

• analyze
• clear up
• define
• formulate
• interpret
• resolve
• simplify
• spell out