reflect

bask in reflected glory

To experience or enjoy fame only through one's association with a famous or successful person. As the sister of the superstar, for years she basked in reflected glory, until she finally got her own shot at fame. The playwright's daughter will no longer have to bask in reflected glory now that her TV show has been such a success. I'm a great dancer too, but no one pays any attention to me. I'm stuck basking in reflected glory because of my stupid brother.

See also: bask, glory, reflect

bathe in reflected glory

To experience or enjoy fame only through one's association with a famous or successful person. As the sister of the superstar, for years she bathed in reflected glory, until she finally got her own shot at fame. The playwright's daughter will no longer have to bathe in reflected glory now that her TV show has been such a success. I'm a great dancer too, but no one pays any attention to me. I'm stuck bathing in reflected glory because of my stupid brother.

See also: bathe, glory, reflect

reflect (up)on (something)

1. Literally, to be displayed as a duplicate light or image on something. Technically, moonlight is just sunlight that bounces off the moon and is reflected on the Earth. Though his back was to me, I could see his worried face reflected on the small pool of water.

2. To consider or think back on something with close or careful attention. Stuck in bed with a broken leg, all I could do was reflect on the accident that put me there. After coming to terms with not getting the promotion, Janet reflected upon her boss's criticism and vowed to improve her work.

See also: reflect

reflect credit on (someone, something, or oneself)

To demonstrate that someone, something, or oneself is worthy or deserving of credit. The achievements of your pupils on their exams reflects credit on your abilities as a teacher. I must say that the exemplary manners and good behavior of these children reflects credit on their parents. Between her impressive résumé and the way she handled herself during her interview, I have to say that she reflected a lot of credit on herself.

See also: credit, on, reflect

reflect credit upon (someone, something, or oneself)

To demonstrate that someone, something, or oneself is worthy or deserving of credit. The achievements of your pupils on their exams reflects credit upon your abilities as a teacher. I must say that the exemplary manners and good behavior of these children reflects credit upon their parents. Between her impressive résumé and the way she handled herself during her interview, I have to say that she reflected a lot of credit upon herself.

See also: credit, reflect, upon

reflect on (someone or something)

To stand as evidence of someone's or something's qualities or merits. The principal seems more concerned that the incident will reflect poorly on the school, as opposed to whether anyone was hurt. Your poise under pressure really reflects on your ability as a leader.

See also: on, reflect

reflected in (something)

1. Literally, shown as a duplicate image on a reflective surface. The mountain was perfectly reflected in the crystal-clear lake. The entire street was reflected in the office building's mirror-like windows.

2. Displayed by or shown in the results or outcome of something. I hope all our hard work is reflected in good sales of the new product. The extra hours you worked will be reflected in your paycheck this month.

See also: reflect

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

reflect (back) (up)on someone or something

to remember or think about someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) When I reflect back on the years I spent with my parents, I think I had a good childhood. I like to reflect on my great-grandmother.

See also: on, reflect

reflect credit (up)on someone or something

[for some act] to bring credit to someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) Your efforts really reflect credit upon you. Mary's success really reflected credit on the quality of her education.

See also: credit, on, reflect

reflected in something

 

1. Lit. [of something] mirrored in something, such as a mirror, water, ice, etc. His image was reflected in the mirror, giving him a good view of his sunburn. When the hermit's image was reflected in the pool, he was amazed.

2. Fig. [of something] shown in a result. The extra charges will be reflected in next month's bill. I do not understand all the charges that are reflected in my statement.

See also: reflect

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

reflect on

1. Consider or think carefully about, as in She reflected on her country's role in history. [c. 1600] A closely related phrase is on due reflection, meaning "after careful consideration." For example, On due reflection I decided to vote for the incumbent.

2. reflect on one. Give evidence of one's qualities, as in The hasty preparation of this report will reflect on you. [Second half of 1600s]

See also: on, reflect

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

reflect well, badly, etc. on somebody/something

make somebody/something appear to be good, bad, etc. to other people: This incident reflects badly on everyone involved.

See also: on, reflect, somebody, something

bathe/bask in reflected ˈglory

get attention and fame not because of something you have done but through the success of somebody else connected to you: She wasn’t happy to bathe in the reflected glory of her daughter’s success, as she wanted to succeed on her own.

See also: bask, bathe, glory, reflect

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

reflect on

or reflect upon

v.

1. To think carefully about something: He sat in the garden and reflected on what he had just read.

2. To express carefully considered thoughts about something: In the essay, she reflects on her long career and offers advice for young writers.

3. To give evidence of the characteristics or qualities of someone or something: The student's performance reflects well on the whole school. Hasty preparation of the report will reflect badly on you.

4. To appear as a reflected image on some surface: The trees are reflecting on the water.

5. To cause something to appear as a reflected image on some surface: The window reflected wavy lines on the floor.

See also: on, reflect

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.