What does “To fight with one’s own shadow.” mean?
"To fight with one’s own shadow" means to engage in a pointless or futile struggle, often used to describe a situation where someone is wasting their time or energy on something that is impossible to achieve or where they are fighting against an imaginary opponent.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He keeps trying to convince her to change her mind, but it's like fighting with one's own shadow. It's a lost cause.
Example
Instead of focusing on the real issues, they are fighting with their own shadow. They need to address the actual problem.
Example
She's been fighting with her own shadow for years, always chasing after an unattainable goal
Is “To fight with one’s own shadow.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“To fight with one’s own shadow.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “To fight with one’s own shadow.” effectively in context?
You can use "To fight with one's own shadow" to describe a situation where someone is engaging in a pointless or futile struggle. It emphasizes the idea that the person is wasting their time and energy on something that has no real substance or significance. For example, if a friend is constantly arguing with someone who never listens or changes their mind, you might say, 'You're fighting with your own shadow. It's time to let go and focus on more important things.'
- 1Personal Relationships
Instead of trying to change her partner, she realized she was fighting with her own shadow and decided to accept them as they are.
- 2Work
He kept obsessing over minor details and lost sight of the bigger picture. He was fighting with his own shadow instead of focusing on the main goals of the project.
- 3Politics
Instead of addressing the real issues, politicians often get caught up in personal attacks and trivial matters, fighting with their own shadow instead of making meaningful progress.
Similar phrases to “To fight with one’s own shadow.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “To fight with one’s own shadow.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "To fight with one's own shadow" is unknown.
Is “To fight with one’s own shadow.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "To fight with one's own shadow" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more commonly used in writing or formal discussions to convey the idea of a futile struggle.
What tone does “To fight with one’s own shadow.” have?
"To fight with one's own shadow" conveys a tone of frustration and futility. It suggests that the person's efforts are in vain and that they should redirect their energy towards more productive endeavors.
Can “To fight with one’s own shadow.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "To fight with one's own shadow" is more formal in nature and is often used in written or spoken discussions that involve deeper philosophical or metaphorical concepts. It may not be commonly used in casual conversations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He realized he was fighting with his own shadow and decided to focus on more important things.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Stop fighting with your own shadow!' to imply that someone is wasting their time and energy.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- engaging in a futile battle
- wasting energy on a lost cause
- struggling in vain
- fighting a losing battle
Antonyms
- focusing on meaningful goals
- choosing battles wisely
- making progress in a worthwhile endeavor
