What is an allusion

The dictionary defines an allusion as "an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference." Allusions are tricky. Just because you and your friends know what they stand for does not mean it's a good idea to use them in your text. You'll come across a lot of readers who miss your point simply because they do not have the same cultural, social, or ethnic background to get the true meaning of your allusion. Avoid all military, religious, sports-related, and other allusions for plain writing that would be easily understood all over the world.