glimpse of a shadow

USAGE SUMMARY

"glimpse of a shadow" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it as a metaphor to describe anything that appears briefly or fleetingly or is hard to pinpoint or understand, like a feeling, a perception, or a hint of something foreboding. For instance, you could say, "I got a glimpse of a shadow in the corner of the room, but it quickly disappeared."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe you'll get a glimpse of a mysterious shadow through a 2nd floor window, or maybe you'll see lights flicker from the 4th floor attic.

Princeton University

After two decades of economic and political liberalization, the city's potential was no longer hidden, glimpsed like a shadow disappearing around a corner.

The New York Times

Halfway round the second of three laps, I catch a glimpse of my shadow on the tarmac road.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On Thursday morning, Pennsylvania rodent and weather oracle Punxsutawney Phil popped his head out of his hole and caught a glimpse of his shadow, signaling another six weeks of winter, ABC 6 reports.

Vice

On Thursday morning, Pennsylvania rodent and weather oracle Punxsutawney Phil popped his head out of his hole and caught a glimpse of his shadow, signaling another six weeks of winter, ABC 6 reports.

Vice

The fronds swayed and shuddered, and I caught a glimpse of a splotch of darkness that could have been a shadow, or the black bristling snout of feral boar.

The New York Times - Travel

Eventually, Jack enlisted the help of a drone operator, Jeff McCarthy and a pilot, John Mason, who flew over their property hoping for a glimpse of Shadow.

Huffington Post

No actor plays him in full view: he is a disembodied voice on the speakerphone, a face carefully photographed in shadow, a glimpse of a right shoulder seen from behind in court, as if he were the neighbor on "Home Improvement" whose face was always hidden behind the fence.

The New York Times

Finally there is a glimpse of a bird in black silhouette, resting in shadow on some open limb, with body erect and tail hanging straight down.

Cornell University

It shows the massive head in half shadow, with just a glimpse of a pyramid beyond its headdress.

The Guardian - Arts

Offering us only glimpses of the uncanny (a shadow on a video-screen here, a movement in a half-opened doorway there), Nakata creates a world that drips with the kind of impending doom so often lacking in contemporary frighteners.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glimpse of a shadow" when you want to suggest a fleeting or incomplete perception, often implying uncertainty or mystery. It is more evocative than a direct statement.

Common error

Avoid using "glimpse of a shadow" when a simple description of seeing a shadow would suffice. The phrase is best used metaphorically or when the viewing condition is obscured or fleeting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glimpse of a shadow" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb such as "catch", "see", or "get". It suggests an incomplete or fleeting visual or metaphorical perception, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "glimpse of a shadow" is a grammatically correct and evocative expression used to describe a brief, indistinct perception. While not frequently encountered, its strength lies in its ability to suggest mystery or hidden meanings. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Alternatives such as "fleeting shadow" or "hint of a shadow" can provide similar nuances. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to favor metaphorical or obscured viewing conditions rather than literal, straightforward descriptions. Ludwig's analysis, coupled with these guidelines, enables writers to effectively use and appreciate the subtleties of this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting shadow

Focuses on the briefness and lack of detail of the shadow.

hint of a shadow

Emphasizes the subtle and indirect nature of the shadow.

trace of a shadow

Highlights the minimal presence and potential ambiguity of what's seen.

suggestion of a shadow

Implies the shadow is not clearly defined, but only hinted at.

vague impression of a shadow

Adds uncertainty to the perception of the shadow.

faint outline of a shadow

Focuses on the indistinct form and incomplete nature of the shadow.

dim semblance of a shadow

Underscores the weak and almost unrecognizable quality of the shadow.

brief apparition of a shadow

Highlights the short-lived and ghostly nature of the shadow's appearance.

momentary darkening

Describes the visual effect of a shadow appearing briefly.

fleeting dark shape

Simple and direct alternative, focusing on the shape and its ephemeral nature.

FAQs

How can I use "glimpse of a shadow" in a sentence?

You can use "glimpse of a shadow" to describe seeing something briefly and indistinctly, like "I caught a glimpse of a shadow moving behind the curtain."

What does it mean to get "a glimpse of a shadow"?

To get "a glimpse of a shadow" means to perceive something incompletely or briefly, often implying uncertainty or a hint of something hidden.

What can I say instead of "glimpse of a shadow"?

You can use alternatives like "fleeting shadow", "hint of a shadow", or "trace of a shadow" depending on the context.

Is "glimpse of a shadow" only used literally?

No, "glimpse of a shadow" can also be used metaphorically to describe briefly perceiving a feeling, an idea, or a future possibility.