The phrase "taking a shine to" means to become fond of someone or something. Despite its seemingly straightforward spelling, the pronunciation of this phrase is not always intuitive. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈteɪkɪŋ ə ʃaɪn tuː/. The "a" sound in "taking" is pronounced like the "ay" in "day", while the "o" sound in "to" is pronounced like the "oo" in "too". The phrase likely originated in the UK during the 19th century, where "shine" was a slang term for admiration or affection.
Taking a shine to is an idiomatic expression that refers to developing a liking or positive attraction towards someone or something. It suggests an immediate or sudden fondness that one feels upon encountering or getting to know someone or something. Originating from the early 18th century, the phrase alludes to the idea of a bright, gleaming spark or a shine appearing in one's eyes when they become interested or charmed by a person or object.
This expression is often used in informal or colloquial contexts to convey an instantaneous appreciation or affinity for someone's personality, appearance, or character traits. It implies a sense of being captivated or drawn to someone's charm, charisma, or unique qualities that make them stand out. Similarly, it can also denote an affinity towards a particular object or activity that one begins to enjoy or appreciate greatly.
When someone takes a shine to another individual, it indicates that they are attracted to them either platonically or romantically. It could occur due to shared interests, a strong personal connection, or being intrigued by the other person's qualities. In these situations, "taking a shine to" typically implies an eagerness to spend time with the person or engage in activities that bring them closer together.
Overall, taking a shine to can be seen as a metaphorical expression that encapsulates the sudden and positive fascination one feels towards another person or object, resulting in an increased interest, affection, or liking.