tricks of the light
Eyes playing games
Tricks of the light are visual phenomena that deceive the eye, making something appear different from what it actually is.
Shadows, reflections, refractions, and atmospheric conditions can all create these illusions, causing people to see shapes, movements, or objects that aren't really there.
The phrase often explains away an unsettling glimpse: I thought I saw someone at the window, but it was just a trick of the light.
- rainbowRefracted light arc
- haloLuminous ring overhead
- afterimageLingering visual impression
- shineEmit or reflect light
- sun dogAtmospheric optical phenomenon
mirage · caustics · lens flare · sun glare · crepuscular rays · glow · flash · silhouette · Fata Morgana · heat shimmer · iridescence · prism · shadow · anamorphosis · trompe-l'œil · will-o'-the-wisp · ghost image · moiré pattern
tricks of the lightphysical reality
The material universe
reality · the real thing · genuine article · true form · substance
tricks of the lighthard evidence
proof positive · objective truth · incontrovertible evidence
tricks of the lightclear sight
sharp focus · 20/20 vision · plain sight · broad daylight · true colors
trick, tricks, tricked, tricking, trickery, trickster, tricky, trickier, trickiest