goodnight Irene

idiom

Meaning

An involuntary departure.

Origin

disputed origin

From the blues/folk song Goodnight Irene first popularized by Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter.

Examples

SIMPLE

The party ended, and it was goodnight Irene for the guests.

CONTEXTUAL

When the manager saw the budget report, he knew it was goodnight Irene for the new project.

COMPLEX

Once the final whistle blew and the team realized they had lost the championship, it was goodnight Irene for their hopes of a trophy.

Anchors to