cast a shade over something —(also: cast a shade on something ) have a damaging effect on smth. such as a person’s reputation, relationships, etc.:
- Nor would he do one act for worlds, that could cast a shade over the fame and honor.
cast something into the shade —(also: throw something into the shade) make smth. appear insignificant by contrast of superior quality:
- Internal taxation is so excessive as to cast even an illiberal tariff into the shade.
Note: Neither expression correlates in meaning with the phrase be in the shade—remain little known; stay in the background:
- How can we see a man’s brilliant qualities if he is what we call in the shade?