The phrase deus ex machina (Latin (literally "god out of a machine") describes an artificial, or improbable character, device, or event introduced suddenly in a work of fiction or drama to resolve a situation or untangle a plot (e.g. an angel suddenly appearing to solve problems). Linguistic considerations The Latin phrase "deus ex machina" has its origins in the conventions of Greek tragedy. It refers to situations in which a mechane (crane) was used to lower actors playing a god or gods onto the stage. Though the phrase is accurately translated as "God from a machine," in literary criticism, it is often translated to "God on a machine." The machine referred to in the phrase is the crane employed in the task. It is a calque from the Greek '' ápo m?chan?s theós, (pronounced in Ancient Greek ). The Greek tragedian Euripides is notorious for using this plot device as a means to resolve a hopeless situation. For example, in Eur

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