ENGLISH
REFERENCE

riddle wrapped in an enigma

idiom
Meaning

Something very mysterious and hidden.


Origin

first recorded 20th c.

A variation of Winston Churchill's quotation, made in a radio broadcast in October 1939.

Examples
SIMPLE

His true motives remain a riddle wrapped in an enigma.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician's sudden change of heart is a riddle wrapped in an enigma that confuses his closest supporters.

COMPLEX

The ancient manuscript, filled with cryptic symbols and contradictory historical accounts, remains a riddle wrapped in an enigma for modern scholars.

Anchors to
Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    riddle me that, Batman

    Said to demand that the listener take notice of a question or situation just mentioned, especially one that is particularly difficult to solve or explain.

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