Provide a window into something

[Allen165]

I'm not sure I understand the expression "to provide a window into something." For example, what does "sports provide a window into society." exactly mean? That sports provide an insight into society? Or something else?

Thanks.

 

[Allen165]

Anyone?

Could one say, the courses I took provided me with a window into the workings of the WTO?

Thanks!

 

[bertietheblue]

Anyone?

Could one say, the courses I took provided me with a window into the workings of the WTO?

Thanks!

How about 'opened a window into ...'?

 

[Allen165]

"To provide a window into something" is not an expression I came up with; if you google it you'll get many hits. The first time I read it was a couple of weeks ago in a law textbook, and because I liked it so much I wrote down the sentence:

"An examination of the law of deadly force provides another window into this development."

But, as I said, I'm not sure I understand what it exactly means.

 

[bertietheblue]

In this case, exactly what you said in your first post: insight.