Deus Ex Machina (Also, for those who have no idea how to say it: Day-oos eks MAH-kin-nuh' ) is a term from Greek Theater meaning "God as a Machine". It refers to the use of "special effects" to simulate divine intervention. In more modern literature, it has a slightly derogatory connotation as an obvious authorial contrivance to relieve a cornered plot or character. Related to, but not the same as "Hanging the lampshade."