# cast a shadow

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cast-a-shadow
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To dampen future events.

## Examples

- His bad mood casts a shadow over the party.
- The sudden news of the budget cuts cast a shadow over our plans for the company retreat.
- The lingering scandal cast a shadow over the candidate's campaign, making it difficult for her to regain the trust of the voters.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.