# turn into a pumpkin

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/turn-into-a-pumpkin
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- I turn into a pumpkin at midnight.
- She always turns into a pumpkin early, so we never stay out late.
- As the clock struck twelve, the weary hostess apologized and turned into a pumpkin, leaving the guests to fend for themselves.

## Origin

The expression derives from the fairy tale of Cinderella, in which a coach created by magic reverts to its original form as a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight. The transition marks the point at which an evening's temporary social elevation concludes and the mundane reality of the household reappears.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.