plot hole
/ˈplɒt hoʊl/
Meaning
This term refers to a gap, inconsistency, or logical error in a storyline that goes against the established rules of the fictional world. It occurs when events happen without explanation, or characters act in ways that make no sense given what happened before. It is widely used by critics, fans, and writers.
Examples
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The movie was entertaining, but there was a massive plot hole regarding how the villain escaped.
The movie was entertaining, but there was a massive plot hole regarding how the villain escaped.
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If he lost his keys in the first scene, how did he drive home? That's a major plot hole.
If he lost his keys in the first scene, how did he drive home? That's a major plot hole.
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I loved the book, but the ending left a huge plot hole that was never explained.
I loved the book, but the ending left a huge plot hole that was never explained.
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Sci-fi movies often have a few plot holes when they try to explain time travel.
Sci-fi movies often have a few plot holes when they try to explain time travel.
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The writers tried to fix the plot hole in the sequel, but it just made things more confusing.
The writers tried to fix the plot hole in the sequel, but it just made things more confusing.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The story had a big history hole.
✓ The story had a big plot hole.
Learners often translate literally from their native language. In English, logical gaps in stories are strictly called 'plot holes.'
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✗ I didn't like the movie because of its story gaps.
✓ I didn't like the movie because of its plot holes.
While 'story gaps' is understandable, 'plot hole' is the idiomatic, universally accepted term in film and literary discussions.
Related Expressions
Practice
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How did she suddenly get superpower abilities with no explanation? That's a huge ___!
💡 A logical inconsistency in a story.
Show answer
plot hole
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A good script editor is supposed to catch any major ___ before filming begins.
💡 A gap or error in a movie's narrative.
Show answer
plot hole