Oliver Twist

noun

Oliver Twist

(1838) A novel by Charles Dickens ; the title character is an orphan boy. In one famous scene, Oliver is severely punished for asking for more gruel, or porridge (“Please, sir, I want some more”). Oliver later becomes a pickpocket in a gang of young thieves led by Fagin . Violent in plot , the book exposes the inadequacies of British public institutions for dealing with the poverty of children like Oliver.

I was in a production of Oliver Twist and I was a passerby, and I had five words: “Coming down the street there!”

Oliver Twist is really an ideal example, especially in a crime drama.

He looks like Fagin from Oliver Twist—wiry, with long, graying hair and a perfectly pointy beard.

Oliver Twist grew up in the peaceful and happy home of Mrs. Maylie, under the tender affection of two good women.

For the first six months after Oliver Twist was removed, the system was in full operation.

And when are you going to hear a full, true, and particular account of the life and adventures of Oliver Twist?

Come, said Mr. Brownlow, these are not the characteristics of young Oliver Twist; so he neednt excite your wrath.

If you are ever lucky enough to feast on a canvas-back roasted as above, you will be apt to borrow a leaf from Oliver Twist.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse