Definition of deus ex machina
- an unexpected device or event that solves a problem, especially in a story
Usage examples of deus ex machina
The ending felt like a deus ex machina when a random millionaire appeared and solved everyone’s problems.
A rescue helicopter arriving with no explanation can seem like a deus ex machina if the story never prepared for it.
The plot avoided a deus ex machina by showing earlier how the hero learned the skill that saved him.