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.

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.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“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.”
“Great literature often holds a mirror up to the darker aspects of human nature.”
📚Related Words
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