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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
Chapter 3: The Man Who Grew Vegetable Marrows
Explanation and Analysis—Red Herring:
In Chapter 3, Sheppard tries to distract Caroline from her gossip about Ackroyd, Flora, and Ralph by casually mentioning that he has spoken to the new neighbor, "Mr. Porrot." Sheppard uses a simile and an idiom popular in mystery novels to describe Caroline's reaction:
Caroline visibly wavered for a second or two, much as if a roulette ball might coyly hover between two numbers. Then she declined the tempting red herring.
Related Themes:
Chapter 19: Flora Ackroyd
Explanation and Analysis—Poirot's Nephew:
In Chapter 19, Inspector Raglan uses a pair of idioms as he informs Dr. Sheppard that Poirot has a mentally ill nephew who has been institutionalized nearby. This moment foreshadows the climax of the novel:
Unlock with LitCharts A+["]He’s got a nephew who’s quite off his crumpet.”
“Poirot has?” I said, very surprised.
“Yes. Hasn’t he ever mentioned him to you? Quite docile, I believe, and all that, but mad as a hatter, poor lad.”
“Who told you that?”
Again a grin showed itself on Inspector Raglan’s face.
“Your sister, Miss Sheppard, she told me all about it.”
Related Themes:
