the plot thickens

Etymology
From the satirical play The Rehearsal. .

Phrase

 * 1) * 1672, The Rehearsal, Act III Scene ii:
 * BAYES. Lo' you now, there he's off again.
 * JOHNS. Admirably done i'faith.
 * BAYES. Ay, now the Plot thickens very much upon us.
 * 1) * 1703–4 The Lying Lover: Or, the Ladies Friendship Act II Scene i:
 * Y. Book. Well said, Lad—and as Mr. Bays says, now the Plot thickens upon us, we'll spend our time as gaily as the best of 'em—and all of it in Love [...]
 * Y. Book. Well said, Lad—and as Mr. Bays says, now the Plot thickens upon us, we'll spend our time as gaily as the best of 'em—and all of it in Love [...]

Translations

 * Arabic: تتشربك الْمُؤَامَرَة
 * Finnish: juoni tiivistyy
 * French: le mystère s'épaissit
 * Portuguese: a coisa se complica
 * Russian: сюже́т закру́чивается