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Allusion Definition & Examples

What is an allusion? An allusion is when a writer refers to a famous story, person, place, or event. Allusions help readers make connections and add meaning to writing.

Allusions are like secret messages that make stories more interesting!

Allusion Examples

1.He has the Midas touch.
Meaning: He is very lucky or successful at making money.
Example: Ever since he started his business, he has the Midas touch.
2.She opened Pandora's box.
Meaning: She started something that caused a lot of problems.
Example: When she asked about the missing cookies, she opened Pandora's box.
3.He's a real Romeo.
Meaning: He is very romantic.
Example: Jake gave flowers to everyone—he's a real Romeo.
4.This place is like Wonderland!
Meaning: It's amazing or magical, like Alice in Wonderland.
Example: The new playground is like Wonderland!
5.Don't be a Scrooge.
Meaning: Don't be mean or stingy (from A Christmas Carol).
Example: Don't be a Scrooge—share your toys!
6.She met her Waterloo.
Meaning: She faced a big defeat (from Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo).
Example: I met my Waterloo in the spelling bee finals.
7.He's a Good Samaritan.
Meaning: He helps others (from the Bible story).
Example: The Good Samaritan helped the lost puppy.
8.He's a real Einstein.
Meaning: He is very smart.
Example: My friend is a real Einstein at math.
9.She has a Herculean task ahead.
Meaning: She has a very difficult job (from Hercules).
Example: Cleaning the garage is a Herculean task!
10.He flew too close to the sun.
Meaning: He took a big risk and failed (from Icarus).
Example: He tried to cheat and got caught—he flew too close to the sun.
11.He's a real Sherlock Holmes.
Meaning: He is very good at solving mysteries.
Example: She found the missing keys—she's a real Sherlock Holmes!
12.She has the patience of Job.
Meaning: She is very patient (from the Bible).
Example: My teacher has the patience of Job.
13.He acts like a Grinch.
Meaning: He is grumpy or tries to spoil fun (from The Grinch).
Example: Don't be a Grinch—join the party!
14.It's a real Cinderella story.
Meaning: A surprising success (from Cinderella).
Example: Our team won the championship—it's a real Cinderella story!
15.She has a heart of gold.
Meaning: She is very kind (from many fairy tales).
Example: Grandma has a heart of gold.

Tips for Spotting Allusions

  • Look for names or phrases from famous stories, history, or pop culture.
  • Ask yourself: Does this remind me of a book, movie, or person I've heard of?
  • Allusions often add extra meaning or a hidden message to writing.
  • If you don't know the reference, try looking it up!

Quiz: What is the Reference?

Can you figure out what story or person these allusions refer to?

  1. He has the Midas touch.
  2. Don't be a Scrooge.
  3. She's a real Sherlock Holmes.
  4. It's a real Cinderella story.
Show Answers
  • Q1: King Midas (everything he touched turned to gold)
  • Q2: Scrooge from A Christmas Carol (mean and stingy)
  • Q3: Sherlock Holmes (famous detective)
  • Q4: Cinderella (fairy tale about a surprising success)

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