A shadow

Origin

From ancient times, the literal shadow has been a fundamental part of the human experience—a dark, inseparable duplicate that mimics our every move. This universal physical phenomenon, always present when there is light and following faithfully, lent itself to powerful metaphors. It evoked the idea of something inescapable, a constant attendant, whether it was a dark past, a looming threat, or an unwelcome companion. This fundamental, mirroring presence of a shadow cemented its place in language as a potent symbol for any persistent influence, often tinged with negativity, that closely follows a person or situation.