To shed light on

You usually shed light on a specific noun. Common partners for this phrase include the situation, the mystery, the problem, or the matter. It’s a transitive phrase, so it needs an object. You can say, "The new evidence sheds light on the case." It sounds elegant and intelligent. It makes you sound like someone who thinks deeply about topics.

This is a superstar phrase for academic writing and professional settings. Use it in an essay to introduce a new theory. Use it in a business meeting when you have data that explains why sales dropped. You can even use it in deep personal conversations. If a friend is acting weird and finally explains why, they are shedding light on their behavior. It’s perfect for any moment where 'clarify' feels a bit too boring.

Avoid using it for trivial, everyday things. If you’re explaining how to toast bread, don't say you're shedding light on the toaster. It sounds way too dramatic! Also, don't use it if the information is already well-known. You only shed light when there was darkness (confusion) before. If you use it for simple things, people might think you're being sarcastic or a bit full of yourself.

In Western culture, 'light' has been a metaphor for knowledge for centuries. Think of the 'Enlightenment' period in history. Even in cartoons, a lightbulb appearing over someone's head means they have an idea. This phrase taps into that ancient idea that 'seeing' is 'understanding.' It’s a very visual way of describing a mental process.

You might also hear people say cast light on or throw light on. They all mean the exact same thing. Shed light on is the most common version you'll see in books and newspapers. In very formal British English, you might occasionally see elucidate, but that’s a bit of a mouthful compared to our light-based friend.