shed (some) light on (something)

shed (some) light on (something)

To reveal information or details about something; to clarify or help people understand something. We've hired a private investigator to help shed light on the clandestine dealings of the organization. These documents we've uncovered shed some light on how the late author's final book was meant to end.
See also: light, on, shed
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

shed (some) light on something

 and throw (some) light on something
Fig. to reveal something about something; to clarify something. (Also with any.) This discussion has shed some light on the problem. Let's see if Ann can throw any light on this question.
See also: light, on, shed
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

shed light on

Also, throw light on. Clarify or explain, as in I was hoping the professor would shed light on how he arrived at his theory, or Can anyone throw some light on where these plants came from? Originally, from about 1200, these expressions were used literally, in the sense of "illuminate," but they soon were used figuratively as well.
See also: light, on, shed
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

shed light on something

If something sheds light on a situation, it makes it easier to understand. Is there anything that Moira said that might shed some light on what happened? Note: Cast or throw are sometimes used instead of shed. Perhaps the brothers could cast light on that mystery.
See also: light, on, shed, something
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

cast/shed/throw (new) ˈlight on something

make a problem, etc. easier to understand: This book sheds new light on the role of the CIA. ‘Can you throw any light on the matter?’
See also: cast, light, on, shed, something, throw
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • shed light on
  • shed (some) light upon (something)
  • cast/shed/throw light on something
  • cast
  • cast (some) light on (something)
  • cast (some) light upon (something)
  • give (one) a/the feel of (something)
  • be (one's) man/woman
  • be somebody's man/woman
  • ploughs