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Allusions AP Literature and Composition Flashcards

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15107943216Achilles' HeelAchilles is immortal everywhere but his heel. An "Achilles Heel" is a weakness.0
15107943217Pound of FleshAntonio made a contract with Shylock that if he lost his ships he owed Shylock a pound of flesh. Merchant of Venice from Shakespeare. Used to describe someone's insistence on being repaid, regardless of harm on the debtor.1
15107943218Sacred CowHinduism considers cows to be sacred. Something that cannot be interfered with or harmed in any way.2
15107943219Crossing the RubiconJulias Caesar chose to break rules by taking his army across the Rubicon river. This means to take an irreversible action. A point of no return.3
15107943220Pearls Before SwineJesus told his followers to deliver their message to those who appreciate value. It is to offer something valuable to someone unable to see/respect value.4
15107943221Once in a Blue MoonBlue moons happen every three years. This phrase describes something that occurs very rarely.5
15107943222Mrs. GrundyA play called "Speed the Plough" depicts a character named Mrs. Grundy. It is an attitude of narrow-minded prudishness.6
15107943223Crocodile TearsCrocodiles were believed to release "tears" when opening its jaws wide. To show false sympathy for someone.7
15107943224SirensSea creatures who lured sailors to their death. Sirens represent illusions, false hope, and/or distractions.8
15107943225Read the Riot ActUnder English common law the police had to read it before dispersing the crowd. To give a stern warning.9
15107943226Thiry Pieces of Silver/Betrayed by a KissJudas was paid to find Jesus. He notified the authorities with this action. Payment received for a treacherous act/betraying a friend.10
15107943227Gordian KnotGordius made it. Alexander cut it in half. To solve a problem in a quick, decisive manner.11
15107943228Ivory TowerA beautiful, unreachable place used by the French poet Alfred Deviguy. A person secluded or protected from the real world and thus out of touch with reality.12
15107943229All That Glitters is not GoldJust because something looks like gold, one should not assume. What appears valuable may not be valuable.13
15107943230Sound and FuryMacbeth loses everything after becoming powerful. A passionate uproar that is actually meaningless.14
15107943231Fly too Close to the SunIcarus and his father Daedalus escaped crete but Icarus died because of it. To fail or be destroyed because of a lack of caution or excessive ambition.15
15148129876Deus Ex MachinaSurprising turn of events that suddenly makes things turn out all right.16
15172951684Tabula RasaJohn Locke used the term for newborns who had not yet developed a personality. Means unmarked/uninfluenced. A blank slate.17
15202639954TantalusIn Greek mythology the king offended the gods. He was condemned to suffer eternal hunger and thirst. Means to be offered something desireable which is then withheld.18
15224216018NIMBYAcronym for "Not in my back yard". Means people may be aware of problems but don't want them near where they live (Prisons, homeless, etc.).19
15244881585Waterloo1815 battle, this was the final battle of Napoleon. To suffer an ultimate, decisive defeat.20
15279382485The Emperor's New ClothesHans Christian Adersen's story an emperor wears no clothes, thinking they are invisible. To be silent out of fear of being stupid. Also, kids being innocent and honest.21
15279382486Left-handed ComplimentThe left-hand is considered the abnormal, it's the sinister side. Despite being a compliment, is insulting or rude in some way.22
15384376435Sword of DamoclesA king had a sword above his dining table held by a single thread to show what being a king is like. Awareness of an impending or imminent danger.23
15384376436SvengaliSinging master teaches girl to sing. When he dies she cannot sing anymore. Someone who exerts excessive control over another.24
15435514485Non Sequitur"It does not follow". A statement that is unrelated to what has been said before.25
15456760725White ElephantConsidered special because they are rare but are actually pointless and expensive. Has no use to its owner and may even represent a financial burden or inconvenience.26
15474326197Fiddle While Rome BurnsDuring the reign of an emperor named Nero, he showed complete disregard for the hardship suffered by the people he governed. To display indifference in the midst of an emergency or disaster.27

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