hold a mirror to
The idiom 'hold a mirror to' is often used to describe the act of reflecting or revealing the true nature of something, offering insight or self-awareness.
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Definition
C1General
(figurative)To reflect or reveal the true nature of something, providing insight or understanding.
Example
- The novel holds a mirror to society, exposing its flaws and hypocrisies.
- His honest feedback held a mirror to my performance, helping me improve.
C1Psychology
(figurative)To help someone see themselves or their actions clearly, often leading to self-awareness.
Example
- Therapy sessions often hold a mirror to one's thoughts and behaviors, fostering personal growth.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hold a mirror to":