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hold a mirror up to — to show the true nature or reality of something or someone, often revealing uncomfortable truths

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: to show the true nature or reality of something or someone, often revealing uncomfortable truths

Pronunciation (IPA): /hoʊld ə ˈmɪrər ʌp tuː/

Example Sentences

  • This TV show holds a mirror up to modern dating culture, and honestly, it's terrifying.
  • My mom's diary entries hold a mirror up to my teenage years, and I cringe every time I read them.
  • The comedian's jokes hold a mirror up to our obsession with social media likes.

hold a mirror up to

NOUN

[/hoʊld ə ˈmɪrər ʌp tuː/]

to show the true nature or reality of something or someone, often revealing uncomfortable truths

This documentary holds a mirror up to how we waste food every single day.
💡 Concept

This documentary holds a mirror up to how we waste food every single day.

The novel holds a mirror up to wealthy society by showing the hidden lives of its characters. (HOLD A MIRROR UP TO → raise a mirror toward something so it can see its own reflection)
🧠 Mnemonic

The novel holds a mirror up to wealthy society by showing the hidden lives of its characters. (HOLD A MIRROR UP TO → raise a mirror toward something so it can see its own reflection)

The film holds a mirror up to the city, making its problems clearer as the camera moves nearer to ordinary people.
🎵 Rhyme

The film holds a mirror up to the city, making its problems clearer as the camera moves nearer to ordinary people.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/hoʊld ə ˈmɪrər ʌp tuː/
🇬🇧 UK/həʊld ə ˈmɪrər ʌp tuː/

🌳Etymology

🎵Rhyme

mirror
clearer
nearer

🔗Collocations

hold a mirror up to society
hold a mirror up to human nature
hold a mirror up to reality
hold a mirror up to our flaws
hold a mirror up to the audience
hold a mirror up to injustice

📝Examples

“This TV show holds a mirror up to modern dating culture, and honestly, it's terrifying.”

😄 Fun example

“My mom's diary entries hold a mirror up to my teenage years, and I cringe every time I read them.”

😄 Fun example

“The comedian's jokes hold a mirror up to our obsession with social media likes.”

“Great literature often holds a mirror up to the darker aspects of human nature.”

📚Related Words

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