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Hyperbole
Definition of Idiom
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the words in the phrase. For... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on... read full definition
Key Examples in The Minority Report
Section 4
Explanation and Analysis—Cards Stacked Against:
After Kaplan’s cronies capture Anderton and bring him to Kaplan for a short meeting, they drive him home. In the car, Anderton reflects on his strange encounter with Kaplan and how the conversation raised more questions than it answered (such as who is behind the plot to frame him for murder and why). While capturing the ruminations in Anderton’s mind in this moment, the narrator uses an idiom, as seen in the following passage:
Perhaps [Anderton] was trapped in a closed, meaningless time-circle with no motive and no beginning. In fact, he was almost ready to concede that he was the victim of a weary, neurotic fantasy, spawned by growing insecurity. Without a fight, he was willing to give himself up. A vast weight of exhaustion lay upon him. He was struggling against the impossible— and all the cards were stacked against him.
Related Themes:
Section 6
Explanation and Analysis—Making Hay:
When trying to prove his innocence, Anderton asks his subordinate Page to sneak him into police headquarters so that he can access the precogs’ tapes. At this point in the story, Anderton and Page both believe that Witwer—Anderton’s new assistant—is the one who secretly set Anderton up for Kaplan’s murder and want to prove him wrong. Page uses an idiom in this scene to capture Witwer’s determination to catch Anderton, as seen in the following passage:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“You should have quit when you were ahead.” In an agony of apprehension, Page followed after him. “Witwer is making hay, hand over fist. He’s got the whole country screaming for your blood.”
Related Themes:
