| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Kafkaesque | any literature or situation similar to something surreal and bizarre |
| Lilliputian | anything very tiny that can control something larger than itself |
| Machiavellian | anyone is merciless, clever, and unethical to obtain goals, particulally policitally |
| man for all seasons | any respected person who stands up for his ideals under pressure |
| Moby Dick | any monstrous obsession |
| Oedipus complex | a child's powerful erotic attachment to the parent of the opposite sex, creating rivalry with the parent of the same sex |
| Orwellian | anything bleak and oppressive, especially a political situation |
| Platonic love | any strong but nonsexual affinity for another person |
| Pygmalion | any story or situation where a mentor takes on a pupil, remakes the person, then falls in love with the resulting creation |
| quixotic | anyone who pursues idealized, impractical goals |
| shot heard round the world | any dramatic statement or action that begins something important or greatly influences later events |
| Trojan horse | any seemingly innocent maneuver that is designed to harm an adversary |
| utopia | any perfect place, state of being, or government |
| Walter Mitty | anyone who fantasizes about unrealistic, brave deeds |
| Willy Loman | any person who is working hard trying to earn a living, but is not being very successful, and therefore is a pathetic figure |
Combine with other sets
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace