take the shadow for the substance en · VERB
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
Etymology
Traditional, particularly in sermons; attested since 1818.
Meanings
- (idiomatic) To be easily deceived, credulous, superficial.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| takes the shadow for the substance | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| took the shadow for the substance | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| taken the shadow for the substance | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| taking the shadow for the substance | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic |