shed

[peter123]

Hi there,
The scandal has shed light on a host of social issues.

Does 'shed light on' mean 'to give out' or 'to make the issue easier to understand'?
thanks
pete

[jamiep]

It's easier to understand, there is more light so you can see (the issues) better.

[peter123]

hi there,

Is there any possiblity that it means 'cause' or 'give out'?

thanks
pete

[jamiep]

I pretty sure it wouldn't take that meaning.



Though I'll have to add the standard disclaimer about not having seen the full context.

[vil]

Hi peter1,2,3,

There are further explanatory words concerning the matter in question:

shed = to send out heat, light, or energy: cast, emit, irradiate, project, radiate, throw

shed light on (idiom) = 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.

shed light on = make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear
Synonyms: clear, clear up, crystallize, crystallise, crystalize, crystalise, straighten out, sort out, enlighten, illuminate, elucidate

Regards.

V.