Allusions Test 2 Semester 2 Meanings Flashcards
Flash in the Pan
A “flash in the pan” is something or someone that initially shows great promise but soon fails to meet expectations.
Scapegoat
A scapegoat is a person who is blamed or punished for someone else’s misdeeds. At times an entire group or race can become a scapegoat, such as the Jews during the Holocaust.
Don Quixote/Quixotic/Tilting at Windmills
To be a “Don Quixote,” or to be “quixotic” is to be foolishly or impractically idealistic. “Tilting at windmills” refers to a naïve attempt to be heroic.
Benedict Arnold
A “Benedict Arnold” is a traitor.
Delphic Oracle
A “Delphic” prediction or message is one that is ambiguous and difficult to interpret.
Over a Barrel
Someone is said to be “over a barrel” when he or she is unable to act independently and must do the bidding of someone else.
Shibboleth
A “shibboleth” has come to mean a slogan or catchword used by, or associated with, a particular party, group, or sect.
Doublespeak
“Doublespeak” refers to the deliberate use of evasive or ambiguous language.
Murphy’s Law
People often cite “Murphy’s Law” when something goes wrong and there is a sense of inevitability about it.
Medusa
“Medusa refers to a repulsive or terrifying woman. The term is also applied to extraordinarily wild, unruly hair.
Hoist with One’s Own Petard
This phrase refers to being caught in one’s own trap or beaten at one’s own game.
Philistines/Philistinism
In modern usage, “philistine” refers to a person with no appreciation for culture and whose tastes are commonplace. Such an attitude is referred to as “philistinism.”
Faust/Faustian Bargain
A Faustian bargain refers to sacrificing one’s self or one’s values in exchange for getting what one desires, often material wealth.
Coals to Newcastle
This phrase refers to giving a superfluous gift or making a contribution that is gratuitous and unnecessary.
