PhrasesHub

The game is afoot

    Definitions

      • to indicate that a situation or activity is about to begin or is currently in progress, especially in a competitive or challenging context
        To signal the start of a challenge, task, or investigation, often with a sense of excitement or urgency

    Examples of The game is afoot

    • Sherlock Holmes straightened his bowler hat and rubbed his hands together with a satisfied smile. "The game is afoot," he declared.

      This example illustrates the classic use of the idiom "The game is afoot" as a clue that a detective or investigator is about to embark on a new case. The phrase is often associated with Sherlock Holmes, the famous literary detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In this scenario, Holmes is preparing himself mentally and physically for a new investigation, and his confident declaration signals the beginning of a new and exciting pursuit.

    • As Emily approached the crime scene, she could see the forensics team already at work. "The game is afoot," she whispered to herself, adjusting her magnifying glass.

      In this example, we see the idiom used by a lesser-known detective, Emily, as she prepares to solve a new crime. The phrase here takes on a more understated tone, as Emily whispers it to herself quietly. This example shows the flexibility of the phrase, as it can be used in a variety of settings and tones, depending on the circumstances and the speaker.

    • The stroke victim sat up in bed, waving his arms around wildly. "The game is afoot!" he shouted excitedly.

      This example shows a more lighthearted and humorous use of the idiom, as a man suffering from a stroke suddenly becomes animated and excited, mistaking his condition for an adrenaline-fueled chase scene. This example demonstrates the versatility of the idiom, as it can be applied to unexpected and surprising situations, especially when used in a playful or humorous context.

    • Sherlock Holmes had deduced that something fishy was afoot in the case of the missing diamonds.

      This idiom refers to the start of a game or investigation. In this example, Sherlock Holmes has picked up on some clues and feels that the case of the missing diamonds is not as straightforward as it seems. He senses that something suspicious is happening, and he's ready to investigate further. NOTE: This idiom is often associated with Sherlock Holmes, as it appeared in one his stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

    • The police were sure that they had caught the mastermind behind the bank robberies, but something didn't feel right. They soon realized that the game was afoot, and there was still a criminal on the loose.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a different context, in this case, with the police investigating a crime. It suggests that even though they thought they had a suspect in custody, they realized that there was still more to the case than they originally thought.

    • As soon as the detective saw the strange behavior of the butler, she knew that the game was afoot.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used in a more straightforward way, immediately implying that something strange or suspicious is happening.

    • The moment the boss discovered that his assistant had gone missing, he knew that the game was afoot.

      Here, the idiom is used to explain that the boss has picked up on something suspicious regarding his assistant's disappearance, indicating that he might suspect foul play.

    • Detective Jones stepped out of his car, breathed in the crisp evening air, and declared, "The game is afoot."

      In this example, "The game is afoot" is used as a metaphor to indicate that a detective is starting an investigation. It suggests that the search for answers and ultimately, the solving of the case, has begun.


    Conclusion

    "The game is afoot" is a phrase used to indicate that something is beginning or in progress, particularly in a competitive or challenging situation. It can be used to express a sense of excitement or urgency about starting a task, challenge, or investigation.

    Origin of "The game is afoot"

    The origin of the phrase "The game is afoot" can be traced back to the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, particularly his famous detective character, Sherlock Holmes. In one of the stories, Holmes famously says, "Come, Watson, come! The game is afoot." The phrase has since become associated with the idea of beginning a mystery or investigation, and has been used more broadly to indicate the start of any competitive or challenging endeavor. The word "afoot" itself means "in progress" or "underway," so the phrase conveys a sense of anticipation and readiness for action. Overall, the origin of the idiom is closely tied to the portrayal of Sherlock Holmes as a detective ready to embark on a new case or adventure.