Cast a Pall Upon, To ⚫
Definition: To spread gloom or sadness over a situation or place. A pall was originally a cloth or cloak thrown over a coffin, leading to the now metaphorical use associated with spiritual or emotional darkness.
Related Terms:
- Spread darkness
- Gloom over
- Cloud of sadness
- Veil of despair
Proverbs:
- “Every cloud has a silver lining.” (A counter to casting a pall, reminding us that good can come from bad.)
- “After dark comes light.”
Common Phrases:
- Darken moods
- Gloom bomb
Synonyms:
- Dampen spirits
- Dishearten
- Depress
- Sadden
Antonyms:
- Light up
- Cheer up
- Brighten
- Lift spirits
Quotes:
- “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” — Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
- “Casting a pall of gloom should be a felony!” — Anonymous
References in Literature:
- Night Thoughts by Edward Young (1742): The line “By this dark Pall thrown o’er the silent world” is an early recorded use drawing upon the original meaning.
- The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (1850): Emotional and moral darkness are used as a theme throughout, metaphorically casting a pall over the characters.
In Popular Culture:
- Movie: The Sixth Sense (1999): The entire film feels like it has a pall of gloom cast upon it, with its eerie and mysterious vibes.
- Book: The Road by Cormac McCarthy (2006): The apocalyptic setting always feels as if a pall has been cast over the world.
- Song: “Behind Blue Eyes” by The Who. The lyrics convey a mood of melancholy and little room for hope, a pall over the person described.
- Poetry: Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” is steeped in darkness and the feeling of an omnipresent pall.
### Which of these idioms means the same as "cast a pall upon"?
- [ ] Throw sunshine
- [x] Spread gloom
- [ ] Jump the gun
- [ ] Shake a leg
> **Explanation:** "Spread gloom" is the correct choice. The phrases "throw sunshine," "jump the gun," and "shake a leg" don't mean to invoke a gloomy atmosphere.
### The phrase "cast a pall upon" is associated with which of the following?
- [ ] Cheerfulness
- [ ] Fruity times
- [x] Gloom and sadness
- [ ] Singing
> **Explanation:** "Cast a pall upon" is closely linked to spreading gloom and sadness, not cheerfulness, fruity times, or singing.
### Which of these is NOT a synonym of "cast a pall upon"?
- [ ] Dampen spirits
- [ ] Dishearten
- [ ] Sadden
- [x] Brighten
> **Explanation:** "Brighten" is the antonym of "cast a pall upon," as it suggests highlighting or making things more cheerful rather than gloomy.
“Where there is a pall of darkness, a flicker of light reveals unexplored realms of optimism.”
Farewell with enlightenment, Gloomsbury McLiterate
