deus ex machina

[ dey-uhs eks mah-kuh-nuh, dee-uhs eks mak-uh-nuh ]

noun

1. (in ancient Greek and Roman drama) a god introduced into a play to resolve the entanglements of the plot.
2. any artificial or improbable device resolving the difficulties of a plot.

deus ex machina

/ ˈdeɪʊs ɛks ˈmækɪnə /

noun

1. (in ancient Greek and Roman drama) a god introduced into a play to resolve the plot
2. any unlikely or artificial device serving this purpose

Word History and Origins

Origin of deus ex machina¹

1690–1700; < New Latin literally, god from a machine (i.e., stage machinery from which a deity's statue was lowered), as translation of Greek apò mēchanês theós (Demosthenes), theòs ek mēchanês (Menander), etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of deus ex machina¹

literally: god out of a machine, translating Greek theos ek mēkhanēs

Example Sentences

I am not a believer in in the deus ex machina or the exterior forces coming to solve your problems.

From Los Angeles Times

The production, which was at the Park Avenue Armory earlier this season, has arrived at the St. James Theatre in the role of deus ex machina, rescuing Broadway from its hidebound habits.

From Los Angeles Times

The deus ex machina of assisted reproduction can be a blessing or a curse, depending on the god who sent the machine.

From New York Times

After the recitation of an ancient Roman novel falls apart, what deus ex machina could save the show?

From New York Times

“Perhaps the deus ex machina here is AI.”

From Seattle Times