Even a white lily casts a dark shadow.
Even a white lily casts a dark shadow.
Meaning in plain English
A white lily casting a dark shadow places a contrasting effect beside an admired appearance. The saying asks what a favourable image may leave out.
Example
Someone examines an admired project’s effects on participants rather than judging it by its image alone.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The precise traditional context is unverified, and the metaphor does not establish a botanical or optical rule. A responsible human application avoids colour-based moral ranking. A useful reading can examine effects of admired conduct without assuming beauty proves goodness or every attractive thing conceals wrongdoing.
When to use it
Use it only as a qualified appearance-and-effect image.
Keep in mind
No colour-based moral worth or hidden fault inferred from all beauty is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 929; PDF page 81; collection label: Transylvania Province of Romania
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
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Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
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