Definition
Used to describe an increasingly complex or mysterious situation.
Origins
From the satirical play The Rehearsal. First attested in 1671.
In Context
- "BAYES. Lo' you now, there he's off again. JOHNS. Admirably done i'faith. BAYES. Ay, now the Plot thickens very much upon us."
- "Y. Book. Well said, Lad—and as Mr. Bays says, now the Plot thickens upon us, we'll spend our time as gaily as the best of 'em—and all of it in Love …"
- ""His statement is wholly false," was our hero’s reply. "It was his miserable villainy that deprived me of my liberty, and kept me away from my work." Mr. Goldwin looked puzzled. "The plot thickens," said he. "Give me your story.""