The figurative expression alludes to the hole Alice follows the White Rabbit into in Lewis Carroll's 1865 novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Merriam-Webster dates its first known figurative use to 1938.
The figurative expression alludes to the hole Alice follows the White Rabbit into in Lewis Carroll's 1865 novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Merriam-Webster dates its first known figurative use to 1938.
What does rabbit hole mean?
A rabbit hole is a confusing situation that keeps becoming more complex, or an absorbing trail of discoveries that is hard to stop following.
What does it mean to go down a rabbit hole?
To go down a rabbit hole means to become deeply involved in a complex problem or an absorbing search.
Is rabbit hole informal?
Yes. The figurative senses of rabbit hole are informal, though they are common in conversation, journalism, and workplace writing.
Where does rabbit hole come from?
The image comes from Alice following the White Rabbit into a strange world in Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
Can a rabbit hole be enjoyable?
Yes. An absorbing rabbit hole can be enjoyable when curiosity leads from one fascinating discovery to another.