Meaning of Tantalus | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A stork of the genus Mycteria (formerly Tantalus), especially the American wood stork, Mycteria americana.
2. A Phrygian king who was condemned to remain in Tartarus, chin-deep in water, with fruit-laden branches hanging above his head; whenever he tried to drink or eat, the water and fruit receded out of reach.
   Greek
3. A stand in which to lock up drink decanters while keeping them visible.
4. Something of an evasive or retreating nature, something consistently out of reach; a tantalising thing.

Equivalents

Examples

“Yes, there was a tantalus containing brandy and whisky on the sea-chest.”

““A small boy, sir. Said I was to be sure and see you got it most particular.” He unlocked a cupboard near the window and produced a tantalus. “Whisky, sir, or cocktail?””

“And stockrooms heavy with the Tantalus on which the family fortune has been made”

“Over all, there brooded the shadow of his injuries and the tantalus of their slow healing.”

“He will not mannage her, although he mount her, / That worse then Tantalus is her annoy”

“But like still pining Tantalus he sits / And vselesse barnes the haruest of his wits”

CEFR level