the plot thickens

phrase

used to say that the story in a novel, movie, etc., becomes more complicated or interesting
The plot thickens when the audience learns that the missing woman used to work for the FBI.
sometimes used in a usually humorous way to talk about things that happen in real life
So you've worked with him before? Ah, the plot thickens.

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Cite this Entry

“The plot thickens.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20plot%20thickens. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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