allusion
indirect reference to something
A way of talking about something by mentioning it indirectly, without saying its name, and expecting people to understand the reference.
[someone] makes an allusion to [something]
- The novel is full of allusions to Greek mythology.
- His comment about "big brothers watching" was an allusion to Orwell's 1984.
- The speech contained a veiled allusion to the recent scandal.
- Her choice of song at the party was an obvious allusion to their breakup.
- The headline’s allusion to "Watergate" suggested a serious political cover-up.
- The teacher made an allusion to a famous movie.
- In his story, there is an allusion to the Bible.
- Her joke was an allusion to something that happened yesterday.
- The writer uses many allusions to old stories.
- I did not understand his allusion because I did not know the book.
literary device of indirect reference
A special tool that writers use when they refer to another book, story, person, or event in an indirect way, expecting the reader to know it.
[a text] contains an allusion to [a work/person/event]
- Shakespeare’s plays are rich in classical allusions that reward knowledgeable readers.
- The poem’s allusion to Dante adds depth for readers who know The Divine Comedy.
- In the exam, we had to identify and explain three allusions in the passage.
- Modern songwriters often use biblical allusions to create strong emotional effects.
- The critic argued that the novel’s allusions are essential to understanding its political message.
- In literature class, we studied allusion as a literary device.
- The teacher showed us an allusion in the poem to another book.
- This story uses an allusion to a famous myth.
- Good readers can see many allusions in classic books.
- Our homework was to find one allusion in the short story.
- Base: allusion
- Plural: allusion, allusions
a veiled allusion to
1a hidden indirect reference to
An allusion that is not clear or open, but hidden and hard to see; you must think carefully to understand what it refers to.
- Her remark was a veiled allusion to his recent promotion.
- Many saw the painting as a veiled allusion to government censorship.
- The joke contained a veiled allusion to their past argument.
by allusion to
1in the manner of indirect reference
In a way that indirectly refers to a person, text, or idea, instead of naming it directly.
- The title works by allusion to a popular television show.
- The brand name was chosen by allusion to a famous scientist.
- The slogan operates by allusion to a well-known political phrase.
make an allusion to
1to refer to something indirectly
To talk about a person, book, event, or idea in an indirect way, without saying its name, expecting others to understand.
- In her speech, she made an allusion to the company’s past mistakes.
- The article makes an allusion to a famous court case without naming it.
- He often makes allusions to classic films when he teaches.