Crossword Genius

Depict commercial intervention in a negative light? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shadow

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'intervention in a negative light?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both human attributes as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'depict commercial' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'commercial' could be 'ad' (abbreviation for advertisement) and 'ad' is found within the answer.
'depict' could be 'show' (synonyms) and 'show' is found within the leftover letters.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shadow that I've seen before include "Dark area - referring to parliamentary opposition" , "Secretly tail someone" , "Follow secretly; obscure" , "Dark shape (on the Opposition front bench?)" , "Air of gloom" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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