addle-plot
obsolete One who disrupts or interferes with someone else's plans or enjoyment. If you want to have a good time, we can't invite that addle-plot. Father won't let us take the horses out today? What an addle-plot. Margaret's coming for a stay, and I really hope she doesn't bring her husband, the addle-plot, along.
brew a plot
To conspire; to devise a secret plan. What are you kids whispering about back there? You better not be brewing a plot! My siblings and I are brewing a plot to surprise our parents with a trip for their anniversary. The president of the company brewed a plot with his assistant to conceal all evidence of his crime.
kudzu plot
Any long-form narrative that branches off in many different, meandering directions in a manner that is overly or needlessly complicated, especially when they ultimately fail to be resolved in a meaningful or satisfying way. A reference to the kudzu, or East Asian arrowroot plant, an invasive vine that spreads rapidly. The author was so focused on world-building that he has ended up creating an impenetrable kudzu plot that, at this point, is more arduous than it is entertaining. It felt like the TV series was devolving into an overwrought kudzu plot at times, but the skilled creative team has wrapped the whole thing up in one of the most thrilling and satisfying conclusions in TV history.
lose the plot
1. To act in a disorganized, chaotic, or irrational manner. Primarily heard in UK. Roger seems to have lost the plot ever since his wife died. I'm sorry about last night. I had one too many drinks and just lost the plot.
2. To lose focus on one's primary objective, principle, or task. Primarily heard in UK. Our co-op had a really promising start, but we started catering to individuals too much instead and eventually lost the plot.
plot (something) on (something)
To trace or draw a route or path on top of or along something. We plotted a way home on a scrap of paper we found in my bag. Using the stars as a compass, we were able to plot a course on the map we'd brought with us.
plot against (something or someone)
To join together to form a scheme or plot to foil or defeat someone or something. The group was arrested for plotting against the monarch. His two younger brothers plotted against him to have him removed from the head of the company.
plot out
1. Literally, to plot data points on a graph. If you plot the equation out, you can see that it will approach zero for infinity without ever reaching it. After plotting the results out, it becomes clear that there is definite correlation between the two variables.
2. To create a detailed course or path by which to travel. We need to plot our path out before we start the hike, or we could end up getting lost. The navigation systems on the ship plot out our course automatically, but we can use these charts and the stars in the sky in case the computers fail.
3. To establish or devise the way in which one will do something. We brought together the heads of the departments to plot out the company's course for the next fiscal year. I think we should plot a strategy out in case this turns into a full-blown scandal.
plot with (one)
To conspire, scheme, or make plans with one. I could hear Marcus plotting with his friend Jacob in the basement to go on some grand adventure in the mountains together. He was convicted of treason after being discovered plotting with enemy soldiers.
the plot thickens
cliché A situation or set of circumstances has become more complex, mysterious, interesting, or difficult to understand. A: "This whole time I presumed he was working for my father, but it turns out my father has never heard of him!" B: "Ooh, the plot thickens!" Now the plot thickens, as police have opened a line of inquiry into the governor's whereabouts on the date of the incident.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
brew a plot
Fig. to plot something; to make a plot. The children brewed an evil plot to get revenge on their teacher. We brewed a plot so that we would not have to help with dinner.
plot against someone or something
to make a scheme against someone or something. All the counselors plotted against the czar. We plotted against the opposing party.
plot something on something
to draw a route or outline on something. He plotted the course they would be taking on a map of the area. The captain plotted the course on a chart of the upper reaches of the Nile.
plot something out
to map something out; to outline a plan for something. I have an idea about how to remodel this room. Let me plot it out for you. I plotted out my ideas for the room.
plot thickens
Things are becoming more complicated or interesting. The police assumed that the woman was murdered by her ex-husband, but he has an alibi. The plot thickens. John is supposed to be going out with Mary, but I saw him last night with Sally. The plot thickens.
plot with someone
to scheme with someone. Mary looks as though she is plotting with Jerry to make some sort of mischief. I am not plotting with anyone. I am planning everything myself.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.