ENGLISH
REFERENCE

come out of the woodwork

idiom
Meaning

To appear or emerge unexpectedly or inexplicably, frequently in large numbers or quantity.


Origin

disputed origin

From the idea of insects crawling out from inside the woodwork in a house.

Examples
SIMPLE

Suddenly, old friends come out of the woodwork when you win money.

CONTEXTUAL

As soon as the company announced the new project, critics came out of the woodwork to complain about the budget.

COMPLEX

Following the controversial public statement, long-forgotten rivals and anonymous detractors seemed to come out of the woodwork to challenge his leadership.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as they come

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    blend into the woodwork

    To become unnoticed and seem to disappear.

  3. 03

    blow to kingdom come

    To totally destroy (something); to annihilate or wipe out (something).

  4. 04

    Christmas come early

    Something very delightful or fortunate that is happening or has happened, especially earlier than expected.

  5. 05

    come a cropper

    To suffer some accident or misfortune; to fail.

  6. 06

    come a long way

    To make significant progress.

  7. 07

    come again

    A polite formula used when one has not heard or understood what has been said, or to indicate surprise.

  8. 08

    come alive

    to become responsive and animated.

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