delilah
LowLiterary, Biblical, Figurative
Definition
Meaning
A proper noun referring to the biblical Philistine woman who betrayed Samson by cutting his hair, the source of his strength.
A term for a seductive and treacherous woman; a femme fatale or betrayer, particularly one who uses charm to undermine a man.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term carries strong negative connotations of betrayal, seduction, and deceit. It is almost exclusively used as a proper noun (name) but can be used figuratively as a common noun (a delilah).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage or meaning. The biblical reference is equally recognized.
Connotations
Identical strong connotations of betrayal and seduction in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both, primarily appearing in religious, literary, or figurative contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] is a real Delilah.He was betrayed by his own Delilah.She played Delilah to his Samson.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a Samson and Delilah situation (a relationship where one partner undermines the other)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. If used figuratively, it would imply a treacherous colleague or competitor who gains trust to cause harm.
Academic
Used in religious studies, literary criticism, and gender studies when analysing archetypes of betrayal.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Might be used in a figurative or joking manner to describe someone perceived as treacherously charming.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He read a story about Samson and Delilah.
- Delilah is a name from the Bible.
- In the story, Delilah cuts Samson's hair and he loses his strength.
- She felt like a modern Delilah after telling his secret.
- The politician's downfall was orchestrated by a Delilah in his inner circle, who sold his secrets to the press.
- The novel's heroine is no innocent; she's a calculating Delilah who uses her allure to manipulate.
- The film explores the archetype of the Delilah, deconstructing the trope of the treacherous temptress and examining her motives within a patriarchal framework.
- His memoir painted his former assistant as a corporate Delilah, whose feigned loyalty masked her ambition to usurp his position.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: Delilah betrays Samson by cutting his HAIR. Link 'Lilah' in Delilah to 'LIE-la' – she told lies to betray him.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A BETRAYER (specifically, a charming woman who betrays a strong man).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- The name is directly transliterated as 'Далила'. It carries the same biblical/figurative meaning, so no major trap. However, the figurative use as a common noun ('a delilah') is less established in Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'Dalilah' or 'Delila'.
- Using it as a generic term for any woman without the specific connotation of treacherous betrayal.
- Confusing Delilah (betrayer) with Jezebel (promiscuous/shrewd woman) – both negative but distinct archetypes.
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, calling someone 'a Delilah' primarily implies they are:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it's rare and stylistically marked. You can say 'she was a delilah to him,' meaning she was his betrayer. It is usually lowercase when used this way.
Almost never. The core meaning is rooted in betrayal. However, as a given name in modern times, it carries only the sound and biblical heritage, not the negative meaning, for most people.
Both are negative biblical female archetypes. A 'Delilah' specifically betrays a man she is close to (through seduction/deceit). A 'Jezebel' is associated with promiscuity, idolatry, and the manipulation of power, not necessarily betrayal of a single lover.
In Western cultures with a Judaeo-Christian heritage, the story is very well-known, making the figurative use understandable. In other contexts, the reference may not be immediately clear and could require explanation.