Meaning
To become deeply absorbed in a topic or activity, often following one intriguing detail after another and losing track of time. It can also mean entering a confusing or unexpectedly complicated situation.
Origin
The image alludes to Alice following the White Rabbit into its hole in Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, where an ordinary pursuit leads into a strange and complex world. The modern figurative use is especially common for internet research and browsing.
Examples
I went down a rabbit hole reading about ancient maps last night.
One video led to another, and I ended up down a rabbit hole for three hours.
Be careful — researching this topic can send you down a rabbit hole.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Go down a rabbit hole' mean?
To become deeply absorbed in a topic or activity, often following one intriguing detail after another and losing track of time. It can also mean entering a confusing or unexpectedly complicated situation.