Casting a long shadow

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Dear All,

What does casting a long shadow mean?

Again, Can I say a person has an edge over another or it is only used to refer to objects?

Please tell me if I have phrased this question correctly as I doubt if I shouldn’t have put it this way:

“Can I say a person has an edge over another or is it only used to refer to objects?”

Thanks

2

Hi,

‘Casting a long shadow’ used as a figurative expression suggests something has a bad/unhappy effect on a situation over a long period. A war can cast a long shadow over a country even when it is over because of the bad consequences. In a literal sense a tall building in the sun will project a long shadow on the ground when the sun is low in the sky.
'Have the edge ’ is often used without a preposition suggesting that someone/something is superior to another person/thing as in: This make of car has the edge when it is question of acceleration. Charlie has the edge when it comes to general knowledge.

Alan

3

thank you so much.