The Facts on File Dictionary of Allusions - Green Valley High School

Defi nitions
Each entry begins with an explanation of the use of the word or phrase in contemporary En glish.
Indiana Jones . . . A dashing, even ro guish adventurer, especially one with a seemingly unexciting
academic background. . . .
painting the Sistine Chapel . . . Undertaking a demanding and seemingly endless task, especially
one of a creative nature. . . .
<strong>The</strong> origin and background of the allusion is then explained:
cut the Gordian knot . . . To take a direct route in solving a complex problem. <strong>The</strong> allusion is to the
story of the intricate knot with which Gordius, a peasant who became king of Phrygia, attached
his wagon to the yoke. It was said that any person who could untie the knot would become ruler
of all Asia. When Alexander the Great was presented with the challenge of unloosing the knot he
simply cut through it with his sword.
Examples
w (wet)
y (young)
yoo (unisex)
Examples of allusions are given for nearly every entry. <strong>The</strong>y may come from En glish literature or contemporary
citations (in case they are in quotation marks), or they may be sentences constructed by the editors
to show typical usage (in which case they are italicized).
fall by the wayside To give up or fail at something; to become useless. . . . “While other internet
bosses have fallen by the wayside, he remains in charge after overseeing his company’s fl otation and
sale” (<strong>The</strong> Guardian, April 23, 2001).
Mozart (mōtzahrt) <strong>The</strong> embodiment of musical genius. . . . It is probably too early to be sure, but
some are saying we have another Mozart in our midst.
Additional Information and Derived Forms
yoor (European)
z (fi zz)
zh (fusion)
Additional information, variants, and phrases derived from the main allusion are included in many
entries.
fast lane <strong>The</strong> most direct route to success, fame, wealth, etc. <strong>The</strong> allusion is to the lane on a highway
or expressway that is reserved for vehicles overtaking slower traffi c. <strong>The</strong> phrase is often
encountered in the expression life in the fast lane.
Introduction
xi