PhrasesHub

Things that go bump in the night

    Definitions

      • unknown or mysterious noises
        Referring to unexplained or eerie sounds heard during the night, often associated with fear or the supernatural

      • hidden dangers or threats
        Describing potential risks or hazards that are not immediately apparent, causing unease or concern

    Examples of Things that go bump in the night

    • As soon as the clock struck midnight, the old house creaked and groaned, and I could hear things that went bump in the night.

      This is a classic use of the idiom, where unwanted noises in the darkness of the night are compared to the sound of something bumping around. The example sets the scene for a spooky and potentially scary situation.

    • The ghostly presence of the ancestor watching over the estate caused objects to move and knock against each other, adding to the things that went bump in the night.

      Here, the objects moving are compared to the unwanted noises in the night. This creates a supernatural and eerie atmosphere, enhancing the suspense of the scene.

    • Every time the wind picked up, the branches of the trees outside tapped against the windows, adding to the things that went bump in the night.

      In this example, the idiom is used in a context where the items causing the noise are external to the environment being described. It creates a spooky ambiance and foreshadows what could be happening outside in the night.

    • The oldpaint on the walls peeled off, causing them to rattle and shake, joining the chorus of things that went bump in the night.

      Here, the idiom is used in an unexpected way to suggest that the house itself may be contributing to the eerie environment. It adds a touch of the macabre to the scene, and highlights the state of disrepair of the house.

    • Last night, I couldn't sleep because there were things going bump in the night.

      This idiom refers to scary or mysterious noises that are heard at night, often in a dark or eerie setting. It's a way of describing sudden, unexpected sounds that might make a person feel afraid or uneasy.

    • There's always been something spooky about that old house down the street. They say things go bump in the night there.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe a location that is believed to be haunted or otherwise mysterious. It suggests that unusual and unsettling sounds might be heard in that place, adding to its reputation as being creepy or supernatural.

    • Even though I'm an adult now, I still find myself jumping at every little bump in the night. It's like that childhood fear never really goes away.

      In this example, the idiom is being used figuratively to describe a lingering fear or suspicion that never truly disappears, no matter how much time passes. It suggests that certain experiences or memories can have a lasting impact on a person's sense of safety and security.

    • When I was a kid, I used to think that every creak and groan in the old house was a ghost or a monster. Now that I'm older, I realize that it was probably just the pipes or the wooden floorboards settling.

      Here, the idiom is used in a way that contrasts with the common interpretation. Instead of suggesting that the sounds were caused by paranormal activity, this example suggests that they were actually caused by more mundane and practical factors. It's a way of exploring the different ways that people might interpret or explain unfamiliar or mysterious experiences.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "things that go bump in the night" can be used to refer to both mysterious or unexplained noises heard during the night, as well as hidden dangers or threats that may cause unease or concern. It is often used to convey a sense of fear or uncertainty, and can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.

    Origin of "Things that go bump in the night"

    The phrase "things that go bump in the night" originated from the idea of unexplained or eerie noises heard during the night, which often instill fear or unease in people. The term "bump" is used to represent the sudden, unexpected nature of the noises, adding to the sense of mystery and apprehension. Over time, the idiom has also come to be used in a more metaphorical sense, referring to hidden dangers or threats that may not be immediately apparent. The origins of the idiom can be traced back to folklore and superstitions surrounding the night, and it has since become a common expression in the English language to signify fear or uncertainty.

    For example, in literature and media, the idiom is often used to create a sense of suspense or foreboding, adding to the overall atmosphere of mystery and tension.