take the shadow for the substance

English

Etymology

Traditional, particularly in sermons; attested since 1818.

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Verb

take the shadow for the substance (third-person singular simple present takes the shadow for the substance, present participle taking the shadow for the substance, simple past took the shadow for the substance, past participle taken the shadow for the substance)

1. (idiomatic) To be easily deceived, credulous, superficial.