cliffhanger ending

Meaning

A 'cliffhanger ending' is a dramatic plot device where a story or episode ends abruptly, leaving characters in a difficult or suspenseful situation without a resolution. This leaves the audience eager to watch the next episode or sequel to find out what happens. It is a neutral term used across literature, television, and film.

Examples

• The season finale had such a crazy cliffhanger ending that I can't wait for next year.

  The season finale had such a crazy cliffhanger ending that I can't wait for next year.

• I hate when books have a cliffhanger ending and the sequel isn't out yet.

  I hate when books have a cliffhanger ending and the sequel isn't out yet.

• The movie didn't resolve any of the mysteries, opting instead for a frustrating cliffhanger ending.

  The movie didn't resolve any of the mysteries, opting instead for a frustrating cliffhanger ending.

• TV shows often use a cliffhanger ending to make sure viewers tune in for the next season.

  TV shows often use a cliffhanger ending to make sure viewers tune in for the next season.

• The writer decided against a traditional happy conclusion, choosing a cliffhanger ending instead.

  The writer decided against a traditional happy conclusion, choosing a cliffhanger ending instead.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The show ended with a cliff hanging.

  ✓ The show ended with a cliffhanger.

  'Cliffhanger' is a single compound noun. Saying 'cliff hanging' is a literal error that sounds like someone is physically dangling from a cliff.

• ✗ I don't like movies with cliffhanger ends.

  ✓ I don't like movies with cliffhanger endings.

  The standard collocation is 'cliffhanger ending' (using the gerund/noun 'ending'), not 'cliffhanger end'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The episode finished on a shocking ___ that left everyone guessing.

  💡 An unresolved, suspenseful conclusion.

  Show answer

  cliffhanger ending

• If a show has a ___, it drives me crazy because I need to know what happens next!

  💡 A dramatic finish where the outcome is unknown.

  Show answer

  cliffhanger ending