–Come to light | Image by freepik
Context
Harvard UniversityEvery day your immune system is working tirelessly to fend off harmful invading pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Our understanding of the immune system began in the late-19th century when Russian zoologist Élie Metchnikoff identified a group of white blood cells called phagocytes, whose purpose is to seek out, engulf and eliminate pathogens. During the same period, the discovery of antibodies and their role in neutralizing pathogens also came to light thanks to German physiologists Emil Behring and Paul Ehrlich. Since then, scientists from around the world have come to understand the complexity of our immune system and the many ways it has evolved to fight off bacterial baddies and villainous viruses.
Explanations and Usages
The phrase “come to light” is a common English expression used to describe a situation where information, facts, or details that were previously unknown or hidden are now revealed or discovered. It’s like when something was in the dark, and now it’s being shown in the light where everyone can see it.
For example, imagine you lost your favorite pen and couldn’t find it anywhere. Then, a few days later, while cleaning your room, you find the pen under your bed. The truth about where your pen was has “come to light.” It was hidden, but now it’s found and known.
In academic writing or speaking, you might use “come to light” to explain the process of uncovering new evidence in research, discovering facts that change how we understand a historical event, or even revealing secrets in a story or investigation. It’s a way to say that these things were not known before, but now they are, and they can change how we think about or understand a situation.
For instance, in a history class, a teacher might say, “New documents have come to light, showing that the famous explorer had actually received help from the indigenous people to find the route.” This means that new information has been discovered, adding to or changing the existing understanding of the historical event.
Examples
- Professor Smith’s groundbreaking research came to light in Harvard’s latest educational study.
- During an in-depth study conducted by Dr. Emily Johnson at Stanford University, several pioneering instructional methods came to light, offering new insights into improving engagement and learning outcomes for students in both primary and higher education settings.
–Education
- After Ms. Zhou’s case came to light, Alibaba promptly modified its approach to managing workplace culture and handling misconduct issues, according to the statement.
- Its issues came to light following the failure of Silvergate, a bank in California specializing in loans to cryptocurrency businesses, which announced on Wednesday its plans to halt operations and liquidate its assets.
–Business
- Recently, it came to light that Sony intends to remove certain purchased movies and TV shows from the libraries of users in Germany and Austria on the PlayStation Store.
Although these numbers may be questioned as the case continues, they were compelling enough to allow the FTC to pass the first checkpoint and move on to the discovery phase, where more information might come to light.
–Technology
- The coronavirus first came to light in Wuhan, where the Wuhan Institute of Virology studies numerous strains of coronaviruses collected from caves in southern China.
Since the outbreak first came to light in January, researchers have been diligently working to analyze the virus, uncover why it spreads so readily, trace its origins, and aid in diagnosing infections.
–Science
- Museums might have to respond reactively to artworks with a questionable ownership past when a claim is filed or new details come to light.
- The first allegations against The Spotted Pig’s management came to light on December 12, 2017, when multiple employees accused Friedman of sexual misconduct in an explosive article published by The New York Times.
–Arts and Culture
