PhrasesHub

Deus ex machina

    Definitions

      • unexpected solution or event
        Refers to a sudden, improbable event or character that resolves a complicated or seemingly hopeless situation in a story or real-life situation.

      • unexplained or unsatisfactory ending
        Indicates a disappointing or unsatisfying ending to a story or situation, often due to a forced or contrived resolution.

      • divine or supernatural intervention
        Describes an intervention or influence from a god or higher power that saves or changes the course of events in a story or real-life situation.

    Examples of Deus ex machina

    • The author used deus ex machina in the climax of his novel by suddenly introducing a character who possessed a unique gift that could save the day. This gift came out of nowhere, and the character's entrance solved all the previously unsolvable problems.

      Deus ex machina is a literary device used to introduce an unexpected solution or savior to a story, often out of nowhere. The term comes from the Latin translation for "God from the machine," which refers to the Greek drama tradition of a god being lowered onto the stage in a machine to resolve the conflict. In this example, the author employed deus ex machina by introducing a character with a God-like ability that saved the day.

    • After days of struggling, the team was still unable to solve the complex problem at hand. Just then, a seemingly randomly named intern walked in and presented a novel solution that saved the day. The team was left baffled as to where she came up with such a solution.

      Once again, we see the use of deus ex machina in resolving an otherwise unsolvable conflict. In this case, the arrival of an intern with an unexpected solution saves the day. This emphasizes the power of innovation and the importance of keeping an open mind during problem-solving.

    • Despite the best efforts of the protagonist, the antagonist seemed to have the upper hand. Abruptly, a bolt of lightning struck the antagonist, rendering him powerless and allowing the protagonist to emerge victorious.

      In this example, deus ex machina is used in the form of a natural disaster to resolve a conflict. This plot device is often criticized for providing unrealistic and contrived solutions. Therefore, its use must be employed judiciously to maintain realism and coherence in the story.

    • The team was on the brink of a major breakthrough when the lead scientist suddenly announced his resignation, citing personal reasons. The project faced the risk of stalling indefinitely without his expertise. In an unexpected turn of events, a recently retired senior scientist volunteered to join the team and help complete the project.

      In this example, deus ex machina is used to resolve the problem of the lead scientist's abrupt resignation. The entry of a new character solves the issue of a key team member's departure. However, it's essential to ensure that the new character isn't so perfect that it seems like a deus ex machina. Instead, the new character should be a natural fit for the team and bring something new to the table. Nonetheless, it's crucial to use deus ex machina in moderation to preserve the realism and credibility of the story.

    • As the murder mystery unravelled, with every lead turning out to be a dead end, a witness suddenly appeared out of nowhere to testify against the accused, solving the case in a deus ex machina twist.

      In ancient Greek and Roman plays, a machine (literally, 'god from the machine') was used to lower an actor representing a deity onto the stage to resolve the plot conveniently. In modern literature, the term 'deus ex machina' refers to an unexpected and seemingly contrived turn of events that saves the day or solves a seemingly unsolvable problem, often criticized for being clichéd or cheesy. In this example, the unexpected appearance of the witness seems too convenient, as if resolved by divine intervention, which is a deus ex machina in the context of the story.

    • Sarah had been searching for her missing dog for weeks, at the brink of giving up hope, when she received a call from a nearby shelter saying they had found her furry friend. It was a deus ex machina ending that Sarah never expected, but one that filled her with joy and relief.

      The phrase 'deus ex machina' is often used to describe unexpected and seemingly implausible turns of events, especially in literature, movies or TV shows. In this example, the discovery of Sarah's missing dog seems too fortunate and coincidental, as if resolved by divine intervention, which is a deus ex machina in the context of the story.

    • As the world's leading scientist worked tirelessly to find a cure for the deadly virus, a vaccine was suddenly discovered by a small-town doctor, much to everyone's surprise. It was a deus ex machina moment that saved the world from a catastrophic pandemic.

      The term 'deus ex machina' is commonly used to describe sudden and unexpected events that seem too convenient or contrived, particularly in literature, movies or TV shows. In this instance, the discovery of a vaccine by a small-town doctor, following the efforts of the world's leading scientist, seems too fortuitous and coincidental, as if resolved by divine intervention, which is a deus ex machina in the context of the story.

    • When the seemingly unsolvable riddle stumped all the contestants, a young boy suddenly appeared, claiming to have the answer. It was a deus ex machina moment that left the audience stunned and amazed.

      The expression 'deus ex machina' is frequently used to describe unanticipated and seemingly far-fetched occurrences, often in literature, movies or TV shows. In this case, the sudden appearance of a boy with the solution to an unsolvable riddle seems too convenient and contrived, as if resolved by divine intervention, which is a deus ex machina in the context of the story.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "deus ex machina" is commonly used to describe a sudden, unexpected solution or event that resolves a complicated situation. It can also refer to an unsatisfying or contrived ending to a story or situation. In some cases, it may be used to describe divine or supernatural intervention.

    This phrase is often used in a negative context, suggesting that the resolution of a situation is unrealistic or unsatisfying. It can also be used in a humorous way, acknowledging the implausibility of a certain event or solution.

    Origin of "Deus ex machina"

    The phrase "deus ex machina" originated in ancient Greek theater. In these plays, a god would often be lowered onto the stage by a crane to resolve a difficult situation and bring the story to a close. This was seen as a convenient, but often unsatisfying, way to end a play.

    The phrase has since been used in literature and other forms of media to describe a sudden, improbable event or character that resolves a complicated situation. It is also used more broadly to describe any unexpected or contrived resolution to a problem or conflict.