Browse all

shine on

B1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To keep shining, or to make light fall on something — or in slang, to tell someone to go away and stop bothering you.

Literal meaning: Light continuing to fall on or illuminate something.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To continue to emit or direct light onto a person, place, or object.

"The streetlights shone on the wet pavement, creating long golden reflections."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To continue to be brilliant, exceptional, or joyfully alive despite difficulties (figurative, inspirational).

"Even after everything she had been through, she found a way to shine on and inspire those around her."

"Shine on, you crazy diamond."

— Pink Floyd, 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond', Wish You Were Here album (1975)
Grammar: inseparable
3 C1 idiomatic slang

(American slang) To dismiss or ignore someone; to blow someone off.

"I tried to ask him for help but he just shone me on and walked away."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

The literal sense is common and transparent. A figurative inspirational sense ('shine on, you crazy diamond') is common in music and popular culture. A slang sense meaning to ignore or brush someone off exists in American English.

Commonly used with

sun light moon stars face world

Forms

Base
shine on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shines on
he/she/it
Past simple
shined on
yesterday
Past participle
shined on
have + pp
-ing form
shining on
continuous

Understand "shine on" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "shine on" on Looplines