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take the shadow for the substance

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

English

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Etymology

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Traditional, particularly in sermons; attested since 1818.[1]

Pronunciation

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Verb

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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.

References

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  1. ^ Sermons on Important Subjects, by Oliver Hulburd, Nathan S S Beman, Published by Francis Burnap, 1818, p. 111
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