What does “Cliffhanger” mean?
"A cliffhanger" means a suspenseful ending to a story or situation that leaves the audience wanting to know what happens next.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The season finale of the show ended on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager for the next season.
Example
The book's final chapter concluded with a cliffhanger, leaving readers desperate to find out the resolution.
Example
The movie ended on a cliffhanger, leaving the audience in anticipation for a sequel
Is “Cliffhanger” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Cliffhanger” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Cliffhanger” effectively in context?
You can use "cliffhanger" to describe a suspenseful ending to a story or situation that leaves the audience wanting to know what happens next. For example, if you're discussing a TV show with a friend, you might say, 'The last episode ended on such a cliffhanger! I can't wait to see what happens in the next season.'
- 1TV Show
The season finale of the show ended on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager for the next season.
- 2Book
The book's final chapter concluded with a cliffhanger, leaving readers desperate to find out the resolution.
- 3Movie
The movie ended on a cliffhanger, leaving the audience in anticipation for a sequel.
Similar phrases to “Cliffhanger”:
Nail-biter
A suspenseful or thrilling situation that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats
Example
The game was a real nail-biter, with both teams tied until the last minute.
An ending that creates a sense of suspense and leaves the audience wanting to know more
Example
The novel concluded with a suspenseful ending, leaving readers hungry for the sequel.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Cliffhanger” come from?
The origin of the phrase "cliffhanger" is unknown. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, possibly derived from the literal sense of hanging from a cliff, which creates a sense of suspense and uncertainty.
Is “Cliffhanger” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "cliffhanger" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation, especially when discussing books, movies, TV shows, or any form of storytelling. It is widely understood and recognized by English speakers.
What tone does “Cliffhanger” have?
"Cliffhanger" conveys a tone of suspense and anticipation. It is often used to describe a thrilling or exciting moment in a story that keeps the audience engaged and eager to find out what happens next.
Can “Cliffhanger” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "cliffhanger" is informal and can be used in both casual and formal settings. It is commonly used in conversations among friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in professional discussions about literature, film, or television.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The movie ended on a cliffhanger, leaving the audience in suspense.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That ending was such a cliffhanger!' to express excitement or curiosity.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- suspenseful ending
- thrilling conclusion
- engaging finale
- unresolved ending
- open-ended conclusion
Antonyms
- closure
- resolved ending
- satisfying conclusion
- complete story
- tied-up loose ends
