20 Idioms for Darkness (With Examples)

Darkness has always been a powerful symbol in language, representing mystery, fear, the unknown, or even emotional struggles. It appears in literature, poetry, and everyday speech, helping us express feelings and situations with deeper meaning. 

Some idioms about darkness convey danger, while others symbolize comfort, secrecy, or transformation. These phrases allow us to describe emotions and situations in a way that resonates deeply. 

Whether you’re talking about uncertainty, sorrow, mystery, or change, these idioms offer vivid ways to communicate. Learning them can enhance both your understanding of language and your ability to express emotions effectively. 

This guide will explore 20 idioms for darkness, providing definitions, examples, and explanations.

What is an Idiom for Darkness?

An idiom for darkness is a figurative phrase that describes concepts related to shadows, mystery, fear, or hidden aspects of life. 

These idioms are commonly used in storytelling, daily conversation, and literature to express emotions or situations connected to the unknown, secrecy, or despair.

List for Idioms for Darkness

• A Shot in the Dark
• In the Dark
• A Dark Cloud Hanging Over
• Go Dark
• Into the Darkness
• Paint It Black
• A Dark Horse
• Whistle in the Dark
• The Dark Side
• Shadow of a Doubt
• Black and White
• Pitch Black
• Black Sheep
• Lights Out
• Keep in the Shadows
• Dark Night of the Soul
• Into the Abyss
• A Dark Cloud
• Light at the End of the Tunnel
• Out of the Darkness

1. A Shot in the Dark

This idiom is often used when someone makes a guess without having enough information. It suggests uncertainty and low chances of success.
Definition: A random guess or attempt with little hope of success.
Example: Someone answering a difficult question without knowing the facts.
In Sentence: “I didn’t study for the test, so my answers were just a shot in the dark.”
Explanation: This phrase is commonly used when someone takes a wild guess, hoping to be right despite not knowing the facts.
Other Ways to Say “A Shot in the Dark”:

• Blind guess
• Wild attempt
• Stab in the dark
• Random guess
• Desperate try

2. In the Dark

This phrase describes someone who is unaware or uninformed about something important.
Definition: Lacking information or being unaware of a situation.
Example: A person not being told about an important event.
In Sentence: “They kept me in the dark about the surprise party.”
Explanation: It means not knowing something that others do, often because information is being withheld.
Other Ways to Say “In the Dark”:

• Unaware
• Clueless
• Left out
• Ignorant
• Uninformed

3. A Dark Cloud Hanging Over

This idiom describes a sense of doom or worry that overshadows everything.
Definition: A feeling of worry, sadness, or misfortune affecting someone.
Example: A person feeling constant anxiety after experiencing a loss.
In Sentence: “Ever since he lost his job, it feels like there’s a dark cloud hanging over him.”
Explanation: It suggests a negative presence or bad feeling that lingers over someone’s life.
Other Ways to Say “A Dark Cloud Hanging Over”:

• Feeling of doom
• Shadow of bad luck
• Gloomy atmosphere
• Heavy burden
• Sense of unease

4. Go Dark

This idiom is commonly used when someone disappears from communication or stops sharing information.
Definition: To stop communicating or sharing information, often for secrecy or privacy.
Example: A company halting updates about a new product before its launch.
In Sentence: “The spy had to go dark to avoid being tracked.”
Explanation: It means withdrawing from communication, usually to maintain secrecy or avoid attention.
Other Ways to Say “Go Dark”:

• Disappear
• Stay silent
• Cut off contact
• Go off the grid
• Stop sharing

5. Into the Darkness

This phrase describes moving into an unknown or dangerous situation.
Definition: Entering a situation that is uncertain, risky, or scary.
Example: A character in a novel walking into an abandoned house at night.
In Sentence: “He stepped into the darkness, not knowing what lay ahead.”
Explanation: It symbolizes venturing into uncertainty, fear, or an unfamiliar experience.
Other Ways to Say “Into the Darkness”:

• Into the unknown
• Into uncertainty
• Into the shadows
• Into mystery
• Into danger

6. Paint It Black

This idiom is used when someone becomes pessimistic or sees everything in a negative light.
Definition: To view things negatively or with sadness.
Example: A person constantly expecting the worst in every situation.
In Sentence: “After the breakup, she started to paint everything black and lost hope.”
Explanation: It represents a pessimistic outlook, where someone sees only sadness and negativity.
Other Ways to Say “Paint It Black”:

• See the worst
• Be pessimistic
• View negatively
• Feel hopeless
• Think dark thoughts

7. A Dark Horse

This phrase describes someone who is underestimated but surprises others with their abilities.
Definition: A person who unexpectedly succeeds or has hidden talents.
Example: A student winning a competition no one expected them to win.
In Sentence: “She was a dark horse in the race but ended up winning first place.”
Explanation: It refers to a person with unknown potential who surprises others with their success.
Other Ways to Say “A Dark Horse”:

• Hidden talent
• Unexpected winner
• Underdog
• Surprise contender
• Secret competitor

8. Whistle in the Dark

This idiom describes pretending to be brave when someone is actually scared.
Definition: To act confident even when feeling afraid or uncertain.
Example: A child walking alone at night trying to appear fearless.
In Sentence: “Even though he was nervous, he kept whistling in the dark to hide his fear.”
Explanation: It symbolizes false confidence in scary or uncertain situations.
Other Ways to Say “Whistle in the Dark”:

• Fake bravery
• Put on a brave face
• Act fearless
• Hide fear
• Pretend confidence

9. The Dark Side

This phrase is used to describe the negative, evil, or hidden aspect of something.
Definition: The negative or immoral side of a person, organization, or situation.
Example: A once-trusted politician becoming corrupt.
In Sentence: “Fame and money often bring out the dark side of people.”
Explanation: It refers to the part of someone’s character or actions that is morally wrong or harmful.
Other Ways to Say “The Dark Side”:

• Evil side
• Negative aspect
• Shadow self
• Bad side
• Corrupt nature

10. Shadow of a Doubt

This idiom means having no doubts or uncertainty about something.
Definition: A situation where there is complete certainty.
Example: A lawyer proving someone’s innocence in court.
In Sentence: “I believe you are innocent beyond a shadow of a doubt.”
Explanation: It expresses absolute certainty, with no room for suspicion or hesitation.
Other Ways to Say “Shadow of a Doubt”:

• No doubt at all
• Absolutely sure
• 100% certain
• Completely convinced
• Without hesitation

11. Black and White

This phrase is used when something is clear and has no middle ground.
Definition: A situation where things are either one way or another, with no gray area.
Example: A teacher having strict rules about attendance.
In Sentence: “To him, right and wrong are always black and white with no exceptions.”
Explanation: It refers to viewing things in a straightforward way, without considering complexity.
Other Ways to Say “Black and White”:

• Clear-cut
• No gray area
• Strict rules
• Either/or thinking
• Absolute

12. Pitch Black

This idiom describes a place or situation with complete darkness.
Definition: Total darkness with no visible light.
Example: A room with no windows or lights turned on.
In Sentence: “When the power went out, the house was pitch black.”
Explanation: It describes a setting that is so dark that nothing can be seen.
Other Ways to Say “Pitch Black”:

• Completely dark
• Total darkness
• No light
• Black as night
• Shadowy

13. Black Sheep

This idiom describes a person who is different from their group, often in a negative way.
Definition: Someone who is considered an outsider or a disgrace to their family or group.
Example: A rebellious teenager in a strict family.
In Sentence: “He was always the black sheep of the family because he didn’t follow traditions.”
Explanation: It refers to someone who does not fit in or is seen as a disappointment.
Other Ways to Say “Black Sheep”:

• Outcast
• Rebel
• Misfit
• Outsider
• Different one

14. Lights Out

This idiom means the end of something, often in a sudden or dramatic way.
Definition: The end or complete failure of something.
Example: A boxer getting knocked out in a match.
In Sentence: “One wrong move, and it’s lights out for the competition.”
Explanation: It symbolizes a complete or sudden end, often in a decisive way.
Other Ways to Say “Lights Out”:

• Game over
• End of the line
• Final moment
• Done for
• Complete shutdown

15. Keep in the Shadows

This idiom is used for someone who avoids attention or stays unnoticed.
Definition: To remain hidden or unnoticed, often for secrecy.
Example: A spy blending into a crowd.
In Sentence: “He prefers to keep in the shadows and not draw attention.”
Explanation: It refers to staying out of sight, either for safety or to avoid recognition.
Other Ways to Say “Keep in the Shadows”:

• Stay hidden
• Avoid attention
• Remain unnoticed
• Stay out of sight
• Blend in

16. Dark Night of the Soul

This phrase is used to describe a deep period of suffering, emotional turmoil, or crisis.
Definition: A profound moment of despair or inner conflict.
Example: Someone going through a period of grief after losing a loved one.
In Sentence: “After losing her job, she went through a dark night of the soul, questioning everything about her life.”
Explanation: This idiom represents a time of deep emotional struggle that often leads to personal growth.
Other Ways to Say “Dark Night of the Soul”:

• Moment of crisis
• Emotional turmoil
• Inner struggle
• Spiritual crisis
• Period of despair

17. Into the Abyss

This idiom refers to entering an unknown or dangerous situation, often with little hope of returning.
Definition: A situation where one faces danger or uncertainty with no clear way out.
Example: A person going through a dangerous addiction or personal crisis.
In Sentence: “He was on the verge of going into the abyss after losing his job and relationship.”
Explanation: It conveys a descent into something difficult or dark, often with irreversible consequences.
Other Ways to Say “Into the Abyss”:

• Into the unknown
• On a downward spiral
• Facing the void
• Lost in darkness
• Heading toward destruction

18. A Dark Cloud

This idiom symbolizes a sense of impending trouble or doom.
Definition: A gloomy or troubling feeling hanging over someone or a situation.
Example: A person who feels constant anxiety about the future.
In Sentence: “There’s always a dark cloud following him whenever he talks about his past.”
Explanation: It refers to a persistent feeling of dread or uncertainty that overshadows someone.
Other Ways to Say “A Dark Cloud”:

• Gloomy feeling
• Shadow of doom
• Impending trouble
• Negative atmosphere
• Foreboding presence

19. Light at the End of the Tunnel

This idiom offers hope, symbolizing the idea that after a period of difficulty, things will get better.
Definition: A sign of improvement after a long period of hardship.
Example: A person recovering from illness and slowly regaining strength.
In Sentence: “After months of struggle, she finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel with her health improving.”
Explanation: It represents hope and optimism in the midst of a challenging situation, signaling that better times are ahead.
Other Ways to Say “Light at the End of the Tunnel”:

• Hope on the horizon
• A glimpse of hope
• Break in the clouds
• Silver lining
• Better days ahead

20. Out of the Darkness

This phrase describes coming through a challenging or tough situation and emerging stronger.
Definition: Emerging from hardship, difficulty, or suffering into better circumstances.
Example: A person recovering from personal loss or trauma.
In Sentence: “After years of feeling lost, he finally came out of the darkness and found peace.”
Explanation: It symbolizes the process of overcoming struggles and emerging stronger and more enlightened.
Other Ways to Say “Out of the Darkness”:

• Emerging from despair
• Overcoming obstacles
• Finding the light
• Coming through hardship
• Rising above

Final Thoughts

Darkness in language isn’t always something negative; it can signify challenges, growth, or the unknown, all of which we face in life. The 20 idioms for darkness shared in this article offer ways to communicate complex emotions and situations with depth and richness. 

By understanding and using these idioms, you can express not just despair but hope, strength, and transformation. Language becomes more than just words; it becomes a tool to connect and share the most human of experiences.

FAQs

1. What does “a shot in the dark” mean?
It means making a guess or attempt with little knowledge or chance of success.

2. What is the origin of “paint it black”?
It originated from the idea of using the color black to cover up or mask something, symbolizing a negative or pessimistic outlook.

3. What is the meaning behind “the dark side”?
It refers to the hidden, negative, or immoral part of someone or something.

4. What does “whistle in the dark” imply?
It describes pretending to be brave or confident in an uncertain or frightening situation.

5. What does “out of the darkness” symbolize?
It refers to overcoming difficulties or emotional struggles and emerging into better, lighter times.