Final answer:
The phrase 'the thing with feathers' refers to hope as described in a poem by Emily Dickinson.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'the thing with feathers' is from the first line of the poem 'Hope is the thing with feathers' by Emily Dickinson. In this poem, Dickinson uses the metaphor of a bird to represent hope, as birds are often associated with freedom, resilience, and the ability to soar above difficulties. By comparing hope to a bird with feathers, the poet suggests that hope is a thing that can lift us up, provide comfort, and give us the strength to keep going even in challenging times.
Learn more about Hope as a metaphor in poetry