ENGLISH
REFERENCE

turn into a pumpkin

idiom
Meaning

To go to bed; to go to sleep (especially at, or around midnight).


Origin

disputed origin

From the story of Cinderella, in which a pumpkin magically transformed into a coach reverts to its original form at midnight.

Examples
SIMPLE

I turn into a pumpkin at midnight.

CONTEXTUAL

She always turns into a pumpkin early, so we never stay out late.

COMPLEX

As the clock struck twelve, the weary hostess apologized and turned into a pumpkin, leaving the guests to fend for themselves.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    Buggins's turn

    A humorous, disparaging term for the appointment of a person by rotation or promotion, on the basis of length of service (it being that person's "turn") rather than merit or level of qualification.

  2. 02

    everything one touches turns to gold

    Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.

  3. 03

    everything one touches turns to shit

    Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.

  4. 04

    good turn

    A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.

  5. 05

    left turn

    An unexpected change from the way things seemed to be going.

  6. 06

    poacher turned gamekeeper

    A person now charged with protecting what they formerly preyed upon.

  7. 07

    pumpkin head

    A severe head injury resulting from a beating.

  8. 08

    serve the turn

    To suffice for one's immediate purpose or need.

Last updated April 17, 2026