Here's a breakdown:
* Allusion: A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or event from history, literature, mythology, or popular culture.
* Indirect: It's not a direct quote or a full explanation.
* Literary work: The allusion is typically found within another piece of writing, like a novel, poem, or play.
Examples:
* "He was a real Romeo with the ladies." (This alludes to the romantic character from Shakespeare's play, *Romeo and Juliet*).
* "She was so beautiful, it was like she walked out of a Botticelli painting." (This alludes to the famous Italian Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli).
* "He's a real Scrooge." (This alludes to the miserly character from Charles Dickens's *A Christmas Carol*).
Allusions can add layers of meaning and understanding to a literary work. They can create a sense of shared cultural knowledge, evoke emotions, and enrich the text with symbolism.