Definition & Meaning of "Rabbit hole"

Rabbit hole

/ɹˈabɪt hˈəʊl/

/ɹˈæbɪt hˈoʊl/

Rabbit hole

NOUN

a situation marked by complexity, confusion, or strangeness, which is often difficult to escape from

What is the origin of the idiom "rabbit hole" and when to use it?

The idiom "rabbit hole" is a reference to Lewis Carroll's famous book, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," where Alice follows a rabbit down a hole into a whimsical and bewildering world. In a figurative sense, it is used to describe a situation marked by complexity, confusion, or strangeness, often difficult to escape from, where one becomes deeply involved in something unexpected or complex.

something that a person finds so interesting that they cannot let go of it

What is the origin of the idiom "rabbit hole" and when to use it?

The idiom "rabbit hole" originates from Lewis Carroll's famous novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." In the story, Alice follows a white rabbit down a rabbit hole, which leads her into a whimsical and unpredictable world. The term "rabbit hole" has since been used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone becomes deeply interested or obsessed with something, unable to let go or move on easily.

a small hole or tunnel in the ground that is dug by rabbits and used as a burrow or shelter