# live in the shadow of

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/live-in-the-shadow-of
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be overshadowed one's entire life, especially by a relative or predecessor.

## Examples

- He lives in the shadow of his famous father.
- The young athlete struggled to find his own identity while living in the shadow of his brother's Olympic success.
- Throughout her long career in the arts, she constantly felt she was living in the shadow of her mother's legendary reputation as a painter.

---

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.