in the cold light of day

in the cold light of day idiom If you think about something in the cold light of day, you think about it clearly and calmly, without the emotions you had at the time it happened, and you often feel sorry or ashamed about it:


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harsh light
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His response to the banking crisis means that his premiership will not be judged in the harsh light of his empty first six months.
Times, Sunday Times
The harsh light of emergency sirens really pick out the true nature of some of those in power now.
Times,Sunday Times
It shines a harsh light on the rot that has set in among the giants.
Times, Sunday Times
Today, he will say he plans to shine 'a harsh light into the murky world of corporate behaviour'.
Times, Sunday Times
They also shine a harsh light on our own election.
Times, Sunday Times

Definition of'harsh'
harsh

ADJECTIVE
Harsh climates or conditions are very difficult for people, animals, and plants to live in. [...]
harshness UNCOUNTABLE NOUN

light

UNCOUNTABLE NOUN [oft the NOUN] B1
Light is the brightness that lets you see things. Light comes from sources such as the sun, moon, lamps, and fire. [...]
See full entry for 'light'
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
COBUILD Collocations
harsh light
a little harsh
harsh assessment
harsh blow
harsh comment
harsh light
harsh lighting
harsh measures
harsh methods
harsh punishment
harsh regime