hold a mirror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold a mirror" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to suggest reflecting on one's actions, behavior, or beliefs, often to encourage self-examination or awareness. Example: "The documentary aims to hold a mirror to society, revealing the issues we often ignore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Social commentary

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I just hold a mirror to things.

The New York Times

Richardson would like to hold a mirror to that notion.

The New York Times - Sports

The ambition is to hold a mirror up to Republicans.

The New Yorker

"We've tried to hold a mirror up to the moderates.

The New Yorker

Yes, art should hold a mirror up to its audience.

The Guardian - Arts

That world will always hold a mirror for us.

The New York Times

Who wants to hold a mirror up to nature, anyway?

The Guardian

"We hold a mirror up to the market," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Do you want to sit your subject down and hold a mirror to it?

The New York Times

The proceedings are sure to hold a mirror to Russian society.

The Economist

But Nickelodeon and Disney also want to hold a mirror to a diversifying viewer base.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase to signal an intent to reveal underlying truths or uncomfortable realities, prompting readers to confront them.

Common error

Avoid using "hold a mirror" when a literal reflection or simple description is intended; ensure the context warrants a deeper, critical examination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold a mirror" functions as a metaphorical expression, suggesting reflection or critical examination. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to reveal underlying truths or prompt introspection, mirroring real-world situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Arts

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold a mirror" serves as a potent metaphor for reflection and critical examination, widely employed across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, especially in news and media, prompting audiences to confront truths. While alternatives like "reflect reality" or "reveal the truth" exist, "hold a mirror" uniquely emphasizes the act of presenting a reflection for deeper understanding. Remember to employ this phrase when aiming to provoke thought and expose underlying realities, avoiding its misuse in literal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer a reflection

Suggests providing a thoughtful consideration.

reflect reality

Focuses on accurately representing a situation.

show the reality

Highlights the act of making something visible.

reveal the truth

Emphasizes uncovering hidden facts or perspectives.

provide insight

Focuses on imparting understanding and awareness.

expose flaws

Highlights the act of making imperfections visible.

present a perspective

Highlights offering a particular viewpoint or angle.

cast light on

Implies revealing or clarifying something that was previously obscure.

illuminate aspects

Emphasizes making something clearer or more understandable.

unveil the dynamics

Focuses on uncovering and revealing underlying forces.

FAQs

How can I use "hold a mirror" in a sentence?

Use "hold a mirror" to suggest a reflection of reality, often with the intent to reveal flaws or provoke introspection. For example, "The play aims to "hold a mirror" to society's prejudices."

What does it mean to "hold a mirror" to something?

To "hold a mirror" to something means to reflect it in a way that reveals its true nature, often including its flaws or underlying realities. It implies a critical examination.

What can I say instead of "hold a mirror"?

You can use alternatives like "reflect reality", "reveal the truth", or "expose flaws" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "hold a mirror up to" the same as "hold a mirror to"?

"Hold a mirror up to" and "hold a mirror to" are largely interchangeable, though the former may slightly emphasize the act of presenting or displaying the reflection.