Failure Allusions, Definition, Citation, Reference, Information - Allusion to Failure
- Army Bomb Plot attempted assassination of Hitler; his miraculous escape brought dreadful retaliation (1944). [Ger. Hist.: Van Doren, 500]
- Brown, Charlie comic strip character for whom losing is a way of life. [Comics: “Peanuts” in Horn, 542–543]
- Bunion Derby financially disastrous cross-country marathon. [Am. Hist.: Sann, 48–56]
- Carker, John broken-spirited man occupying subordinate position. [Br. Lit.: Dombey and Son]
- Edsel much bruited automobile fails on market (1950s). [Am. Hist.: Flexner, 78]
- English, Julian contentious and unloved salesman; commits suicide in despair. [Am. Lit.: Appointment in Samarra]
- Gunpowder Plot attempt to blow up the Parliament building; led to the execution of its leader, Guy Fawkes (1605). [Brit. Hist.: EB, IV: 70–71]
- Little Tramp Chaplin’s much-loved, much-imitated hapless, “I’m a failure” persona. [Am. Cinema: Griffith, 79]
- Loman, Willy traveling salesman who gradually comes to realize that his life has been a complete failure; commits suicide. [Am. Lit.: The Death of a Salesman, Payton, 397]
- Mighty Casey ignominiously strikes out in the clutch. [Am. Lit.: “Casey at the Bat” in Turkin, 642]
- Reardon, Edwin very promising writer who, after unsuccessful publication, returns to clerical job. [Br. Lit.: New Grub Street, Magill I, 647–649]
- Skid Row district of down-and-outs and bums. [Am. Usage: Brewer Dictionary, 1008]
- WIN buttons President Ford’s scheme to reduce inflation: for the American public to wear shields stating “WIN.” (Whip Inflation Now). [Am. Hist.: Misc.]
- World League “ingenious” creation of a third professional league that never materialized. [Am. Sports: Misc.]
- Yank steamship stoker vainly tries to climb the social ladder, then fails in attempt to avenge himself on society. [Am. Drama: O’Neill The Hairy Ape in Sobel, 339]