ENGLISH
REFERENCE

for the plot

idiom
Meaning

Everything happens for a reason.


Origin

first recorded 21st c.

All senses originate from the phrase sense. Coined as an inspirational phrase by actress and media personality Serena Kerrigan in a video posted to the social media video-sharing service TikTok on 23 July 2021, in which she alluded to every person being the main character of their own storyline: “If something works out, great, and if it doesn't, it's for the plot”. By this, she meant that negative events and obstacles are inevitable in one's life in order to advance “the plot” onto the next plot point (presumably a more positive one) in their life.

Examples
SIMPLE

I bought these expensive shoes just for the plot.

CONTEXTUAL

She decided to take the long, difficult road trip just for the plot.

COMPLEX

He accepted the chaotic job offer, viewing the inevitable professional struggle as necessary for the plot of his life story.

Anchors to
Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    lose the plot

    To cease to behave in a consistent or rational manner.

  2. 02

    the plot thickens

    Used to describe an increasingly complex or mysterious situation.

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