This is the 3830th most frequent Russian word.
shadow
The Russian word for "shadow" is "тень" (tenʹ), meaning a dark area where light is blocked.
In this sentence, the word 'тень' (shadow) is used to denote the area of darkness created on the ground by an object blocking sunlight.
Тень дерева падала на землю.
The shadow of the tree fell onto the ground.
Here, 'тени' (shadow) is used figuratively to represent one's fear or paranoia of something unlikely to cause harm.
Она боялась своей собственной тени.
She was afraid of her own shadow.
In this context, 'тени' (shadow) figuratively represents being overshadowed or marginal compared to something more significant.