
IdiomThe Absurd
English
Ariadne's thread
Meaning: Something that guides one through a complicated problem.
Example: “The old diaries were the Ariadne's thread that led historians through the family's past.”
Origin: In Greek myth, Ariadne gave Theseus a ball of thread to unwind as he entered the Labyrinth, so he could find his way out after killing the Minotaur.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Un fil d'Ariane Literally: An Ariadne's thread
More English idioms
- sweet-talk To persuade someone with flattery.
- get on the wrong side of To make someone angry or hostile toward you.
- play to the gallery To behave in a way meant to win popular approval.
- a pie-crust promise A promise that is easily broken.
- drag someone's name through the mud To damage someone's reputation publicly.
- get one's hooks into To get a firm hold or control over something or someone.
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