shadow
A dark shape made when something stops the light.
A dark area or shape produced on a surface when something blocks light from reaching it.
A place that is darker because something is stopping the light.
An area sheltered from direct light, especially sunlight, because it is blocked by something.
To follow someone quietly without them knowing.
To follow and watch someone secretly, often for protection or surveillance.
To follow someone at work to learn what they do.
To accompany and observe someone closely while they work in order to learn their skills or job.
Something dark that means danger or bad things might happen.
A dark image or figure that represents a threat, danger, or negative influence, often used metaphorically.
- Base: shadow
- Plural: shadow, shadows
- Base: shadow
- 3rd Person Singular: shadows
- Present Participle: shadowing
- Past: shadowed
a shadow of one's former self
1Much weaker or less capable than before
When someone is much weaker, less healthy, or less confident than they were before.
- After his illness, he was just a shadow of his former self.
- The team is now only a shadow of its former self.
cast a shadow over/on something
1Cause sadness or trouble for an event
To make something less happy or good because of something sad or bad.
- The scandal cast a shadow over his achievements.
- Her illness cast a shadow on their wedding day.
in someone's shadow
1Be less noticed than another person
To not get much attention because someone else is more important or famous.
- He has always lived in his brother's shadow.
- She felt she was in her colleague’s shadow at work.
job shadowing
1Observing work for learning purposes
Spending time watching someone at work to learn what they do.
- Job shadowing can help students choose careers.
- I learned about engineering through job shadowing.
shadow of a doubt
1Very small amount of doubt exists
A very small amount of doubt about something being true or real.
- There isn't a shadow of a doubt that he is guilty.
- I believe her story without a shadow of a doubt.