Don't take the shadow for the substance when judging people.
take the shadow for the substance
idiomTo be easily deceived, credulous, superficial.
Origin
first recorded 19th c.Traditional, particularly in sermons; attested since 1818.
He focused only on the flashy marketing and took the shadow for the substance, ignoring the poor quality of the product.
The critic warned that those who value fame over character often take the shadow for the substance, failing to see the emptiness beneath the surface.
- 01
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 02
cast a shadow
To dampen future events.
- 03
cross to take up
Alternative form of cross to bear.
- 04
forget to take one's medication this morning
To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.
- 05
give and take
A process of compromise or accommodation.
- 06
give someone an inch and someone will take a mile
Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.
- 07
I take it
Used to express one's understanding of another's position.
- 08
kick ass and take names
To beat someone in a competition, fight, or other situation.