Allusions Test 3 Semester 2 Meanings Flashcards
Freudian Slip
A “Freudian slip” is an unintentional or accidental error, either in speech or action, that apparently reveals one’s subconscious thoughts or desires.
Sisyphus/Sisyphean
A seemingly endless, perhaps futile, task can be referred to as a “labor of Sisyphus” or as “Sisyphean.”
Methuselah
The term “Methuselah” has come to be used proverbially to refer to an extremely old person.
Scylla and Charybdis
“Between Scylla and Charybdis” means to be caught between two equal dangers in which avoiding one means getting closer to the other. The phrase has the same meaning as “between a rock and a hard place.”
Holy Grail
A “Holy Grail” is an object that is extremely desirable or valuable and which is attainable only after a long and difficult quest.
Luddites
A “Luddite” is someone who opposes change, especially industrial or technological advances. The word “Luddite” can also be applied as an adjective (for example, “a Luddite point of view”).
Pass the Buck
To “pass the buck” is to shift responsibility (and often blame) to another person. Thus, President Truman’s sign meant that he was willing to accept the ultimate responsibility for matters of concern to the country and would not try to pass that responsibility or blame to others.
Babylon
“Babylon” refers to a place of decadence and corruption.
Phoenix/Rising from the Ashes
The phoenix has come to symbolize rebirth or resurrection and “rising from one’s own ashes” can describe surmounting great obstacles.
Xanadu
“Xanadu” refers to any magnificent, beautiful, almost magical place.
Muckrakers
“Muckraking” is a term applied to authors or journalists who expose corruption in government, business, or other arenas.
Sine Qua Non
“Sine qua non” refers to the essential ingredient without which an endeavor or a situation would be impossible.
