allusion

[US]/əˈluːʒn/
[UK]/əˈluːʒn/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. an indirect reference, a hint

Phrases & Collocations

make an allusion

subtle allusion

in allusion to

Example Sentences

an allusion to Shakespeare.

the Shakespearean allusions are inapposite.

made glancing allusions to the scandal.

The allusions lend the work a classical tone.

an allusion to classical mythology in a poem.See Usage Note at allude

He made an allusion to a secret plan in his speech.

The allusion to the false teeth moves the man upstairs to tears.He relates in a slobbery way a little incident connected with the accident.

Glanders, the atrocious Captain of Dragoons, when informed of the occurrence by Mrs. Glanders, whistled and made jocular allusions to it at dinner time.

In allusion to drilling well cofferdam grouting antiseepage in riverside pump house,authors discuss hydrofracture grouting theory in soil layer,its design method and construction steps.

Real-world Examples

His songs are full of allusions.

Source: The Economist (Summary)

His letters were full of allusions to the major.

Source: The Sign of the Four

Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band -- a speckled band?

Source: The Adventure of the Speckled Band

I was surprised by the violence, the allusions to sexual assault - just the darkness in it.

Source: New York Times

(5)Symbolism and mythological and biblical allusions.

Source: Selected Readings in British and American Literature

When he spoke, he spoke in allusion.

Source: Fresh air

On Twitter, she is Ida Bae Wells, an allusion to her most direct antecedent, the trailblazing journalist Ida B. Wells.

Source: Time

I recalled my wonder at his cryptic allusions to the flower bed and the wrist watch.

Source: Murder at the golf course

This allusion to her favourite feature overpowered Mrs. Sparsit.

Source: Difficult Times (Part 2)

Ally reddened, as if the allusion had escaped her unintentionally.

Source: Summer

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