delphic oracle
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Proper noun:
- The Delphic Oracle: In Greek mythology, the sacred site at Delphi where a priestess, known as the Pythia, delivered prophecies believed to be messages from the god Apollo to those who sought guidance. The prophecies were famously cryptic and open to interpretation.
Usage Examples
- Proper noun:
- Ancient leaders often consulted the Delphic Oracle before making major decisions.
- The ambiguous response from the Delphic Oracle led Croesus to misinterpret his fate.
Advanced Usage
- "To be as cryptic as the Delphic Oracle": Used to describe a statement or prediction that is deliberately obscure or difficult to understand.
- His explanation for the project's delay was as cryptic as the Delphic Oracle.
Variants and Related Words
- Oracle of Delphi: A synonymous name for the Delphic Oracle.
- Pythia (n): The title of the priestess who served as the medium for the Delphic Oracle.
- Delphic (adj): Pertaining to Delphi or the Oracle; more broadly, describing something that is mysteriously ambiguous.
- The politician gave a Delphic answer that satisfied no one.
Synonyms
- Prophetic shrine: A place dedicated to delivering prophecies.
- Seat of prophecy: A center for divination and forecasting.
Related Phrases
- To consult the Oracle: To seek prophetic advice or wisdom from a source, often used metaphorically.
- The CEO consulted the oracle of market analysts before the merger.
Related Idioms
- A Delphic utterance: A statement that is profound but ambiguous.
- The poet's verses were full of Delphic utterances, leaving readers to find their own meaning.
Noun
- (Greek mythology) the oracle at Delphi where a priestess supposedly delivered messages from Apollo to those who sought advice; the messages were usually obscure or ambiguous