The phrase "down the rabbit hole" means to begin a process that becomes increasingly complex, difficult or even bizarre. Frequently it becomes increasingly difficult to get out of the situation and the journey may take on a life of it's own.

The phrase "down the rabbit hole" originates in Lewis Carrol's classic book, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" in which a young girl named Alice falls down a rabbit hole and encounters a number of different creatures and has incredible adventures. The author, whose real name was Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, was friends with a family in England that had small children, one of whom was named Alice. Mr. Dodgson would often tell them stories; ultimately he wrote this book that became world renowned.

Use Example - While researching the history of Thomas Jefferson, Fred went down a rabbit hole on the internet and soon was reading about all kinds of other subjects.

Source Tags : Books     Concept Tags : Confusion