What does "five-o'clock shadow" mean?
What does "five-o'clock shadow" mean in the sentence below?

Ellis had raven-black hair with a touch of grey, and a dark five-o'clock shadow. He looked like a bit player in E.R. The tone of his muscles testified to the fact that he spent a number of hours each week at the gym.

Question

What does "five-o'clock shadow" mean?
What does "five-o'clock shadow" mean in the sentence below?

Ellis had raven-black hair with a touch of grey, and a dark five-o'clock shadow. He looked like a bit player in E.R. The tone of his muscles testified to the fact that he spent a number of hours each week at the gym.

Answer

A five o'clock shadow is the facial hair that a man usually has begun growing by the end of the day. It makes their face appear darker, so we call it a 'shadow', and, of course, five o'clock from the end of the working day. :) I hope that helps!

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I think, "http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/five-o-clock-shadow.html"  helps you to understand the phrase.

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Thanks, Gary, for the tip ;)

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Note that it only really makes sense for men with darker beards