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AP English Literature Allusions Flashcards

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7766749586Achilles' HeelArea of particular vulnerability0
7766754069Pound of Fleshinsistence on being repaid1
7766761127Sacred Cowsomething that cannot be interfered with or harmed in any way2
7766765159Crossing the Rubiconto take an irreversible step3
7766769838Pearls before Swineto offer something precious to someone, or a group of people, unable to appreciate the value4
7766779459Once in a Blue MoonSomething that occurs very rarely5
7766782547Mrs. Grundynarrow minded, conventional, prudish person6
7766787727Crocodile TearsFalse sympathy for someone7
7766790311Sirensanything that temps a person away from safety and towards a destructive path8
7766800611Read the Riot Actto issue a stern warning that if unacceptable behavior does not cease, severe consequences will follow9
7766821008Thirty Pieces of Silverpayment received for an act of treachery10
7766828196Betrayed with a KissA supposed friends treachery11
7766835908Gordian KnotA complex problem12
7766839011Ivory Towersecluded or protected from the real world and thus out of reality13
7766845004All that Glitters is not Goldappears valuable on the outside, maybe less valuable; Appearances can be deceptive14
7766861488Sound and FuryGreat tumultuous and passionate uproar that is unimportant and meaningless15
7766884135Bread and Circusesto prevent unrest by keeping people happy and thus deflecting concern16
7766887847Deus ex MachinaSurprising turn of events that suddenly makes things turn out all right; unsatisfying and overly convenient way to end a story17
7766900137Tabula RasaUnmarked and Uninfluenced18
7766906965Tantalusoffered something desirable which is then withheld19
7766912089NIMBY (Not in my Backyard)aware of the necessity of some unpleasant realities, but insist on them being located away from where they live20
7766925427WaterlooSuffer an ultimate, decisive defeat21
7766932509The Emperor's new clothespointing out the falseness or pretentiousness of something22
7766941198Left-Handed complimenta compliment that is rude in some way23
7766944575Gold Calfworshiped even though not worthy of it24
7766954389Sword of DamoclesAwareness of imminent danger25
7766961423SvengaliA person who exercises excessive control or influence over another person26
7766969417Non-SequiturConclusion that does not follow the premises27
7766978630White Elephantan object that has no use to its owner; financial burden or an inconvenience28
7766997447Icarus/Fly too Close to the Sunto fail or be destroyed because of lack of caution or excessive ambition29

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