in the shadow of {sb}
1
used to convey that someone is receiving much less credit or attention compared to a person more popular or skillful
The idiom "in the shadow of somebody" likely originates from the visual image of one person casting a shadow over another due to their physical position relative to a light source. This literal concept of being in someone's shadow has been extended metaphorically to describe situations where one person's prominence or success makes others seem less significant or visible.
- DeMarco plays a lawyer living in the shadow of a famous father.
- She grew up in the shadow of her very popular sister.
- Despite her talent, he always felt like he was living in the shadow of his older brother, who excelled in everything he did.
- Working as an assistant to the famous author, she often found herself in the shadow of his literary genius, struggling to establish her own identity as a writer.
- Growing up with a famous parent, he constantly felt like he was living in their shadow, striving to prove himself on his own merits.