Word
cliffhanger
Phoneticscliffhang·er
US/ˈkɫɪfˌhæŋɝ/
UK/klˈɪfhæŋɐ/
Definitions
01story ending
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Theater
n. an ending to an episode or book that leaves the main characters in a dangerous or difficult situation.
n. a plot device in fiction which features a main character in a precarious or difficult dilemma, or confronted with a shocking revelation at the end of an episode.
“The season finale ended on a huge cliffhanger, and now we have to wait months for the next episode.”
“The screenwriter masterfully employed a cliffhanger at the end of the second act, ensuring the audience would return after the commercial break.”
Antonyms
02tense situation
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a real-life situation where the result is not known until the very last moment.
n. a situation, such as a contest or election, whose outcome is uncertain and remains in suspense until the final moments.
“The election was a real cliffhanger, with the final votes being counted late into the night.”
“The championship match turned into a total cliffhanger as both teams remained tied until the final seconds of overtime.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“These serialized shows are made up of short episodes designed for smartphones, typically ending with a cliffhanger before viewers are asked to pay to continue.” “It’s a moving look at survival and hope, with cliffhangers galore and gags about Frazzles crisps.” Etymology
From cliff + hanger, evoking the image of someone left hanging from a cliff, thereby having an uncertain fate. The term "cliffhanger" is considered to have originated with the serialised version of Thomas Hardy's "A Pair of Blue Eyes", published in Tinsley's Magazine in the 1870s, in which the character Henry Knight is left hanging off of a cliff. It was inspired by a real life story from his wife Emma's childhood, when she had to rescue one of her school friends from a similar position.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/cliffhanger