shed light on
Explain something obscure
To shed light on something is to clarify or explain it, making obscure matters easier to understand: New evidence shed light on what really happened.
The metaphor treats understanding as illumination—darkness conceals, light reveals.
Often appears as shed some light on or shed new light on.
- illuminateSupply with radiance
- revealMake something visible
- lay bareReveal completely
- uncoverReveal what's hidden
- get to the bottom ofThoroughly investigate something
demystify · make clear · highlight · clear up · clarify · spell out · decode · expose · explain · break down · open up · unearth · interpret · explicate · disclose · insight · fill in the blanks · educate
light, shed, enlighten, illumination, elucidate, enlightened, enlightening, enlightens, shedder