Shot through with something Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Frequency Matters Use when something occurs often within something else, showing its significance. Her letters were shot through with expressions of longing and love. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Positive The phrase can indicate undesirable qualities as well. The report was shot through with errors, making it unreliable. Pro Tip 3/3Varied Aspects It can refer to physical traits, emotions, or abstract concepts. The canvas was shot through with vibrant streaks of color.