phrases using the word “light” or “dark”

Shed some light on

Explain, give information about

“Since none of us worked here last year when the agreement was made with the supplier, we'll have to see if Tanaka-san can shed some light on the situation.”

Light a fire under

Motivate, to cause someone to act

“Yamazaki-san is going to † have to light a fire under the architect if he wants to present the blueprints at the meeting.”

See the light at the end of the tunnel

Realize that the end of a project is near

“Hori-san said he can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel after five years of his research project.”

In the dark

Unaware, uninformed

“Miyagi-san was in the dark about the revisions to the budget for the next fiscal year.”

Dark horse

An unknown candidate or contestant who has a chance to win

“Doi-san was the dark horse in the race for mayor but won with 52% of the vote.”