CHEKHOV'S GUN

PRONUNCIATION: (chek-ofs GUHN)

MEANING: noun:
1. The literary principle that if an element is introduced in a story, it must be shown to have a purpose.
2. An element introduced in a story that is revealed to have a purpose later on.

ETYMOLOGY: After the playwright and doctor Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) who espoused this principle. Earliest documented use: 1951.
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CHEKHOV'S GUN - a special removable adhesive devised by Dr Chekov for attaching moustache and beard to the actors' faces, as needed, as part of their costume

CHECK-H.O.V. GUN - for when traffic enforcers encounter road rage while verifying compliance with the High-Occupancy Vehicle regulations

CHEKHOV'S NUN - unexpected cast member in The Three Sisters