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Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

a shadow of

If it wasn't for him the Church of Scientology would be a shadow of what it is today

What is the meaning of 'a shadow of'?

Thanks in advance!
  

Top answer

It would have a lot less subtance. It wouldn't have nearly as many members, or be as well known, etc. It's a metaphor, obviously -- a person's shadow does not have nearly the substance of the person itself.

— BarbaraPA

  • It would have a lot less subtance.
  • It wouldn't have nearly as many members, or be as well known, etc.
  • It's a metaphor, obviously -- a person's shadow does not have nearly the substance of the person itself.
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3 Answers
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It would have a lot less subtance. It wouldn't have nearly as many members, or be as well known, etc.

It's a metaphor, obviously -- a person's shadow does not have nearly the substance of the person itself.
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If you are walking toward the sun, the shadow of you will always follow you.



If you are a shadow of something or somebody, it implies that you are a follower, always a step behind, less recognized and “overshadowed”.
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