rabbit hole
ra
ˈræ
bbit
bɪt
bit
hole
həʊl
hewl

Definition & Meaning of "rabbit hole"in English

Rabbit hole
01

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

rabbit hole definition and meaning
Idiom
Informal

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.

Examples
The more we investigated, the deeper the rabbit hole became. 
02

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

rabbit hole definition and meaning

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.

Examples
Ancient history became a rabbit hole for him. 
03

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

Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Inanimate
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
rabbit holes
Examples
He broke his ankle when his foot got caught in a rabbit hole. 
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