"Come out of the woodwork" is a popular idiom that means people or things suddenly appear or become noticeable, especially when they were previously hidden or unknown. It often has a negative connotation, implying that emerging individuals or issues are unwanted or problematic.

In short:

 "Come out of the woodwork" means to suddenly appear from an obscure or unexpected place.

What Does "Come Out of the Woodwork" Mean?

This idiom conveys the idea that someone or something is emerging from obscurity or hiding, often in an unexpected or surprising manner. It is frequently used to describe people who surface to take advantage of a situation or talk about previously hidden issues that have now come to light.

Let's explore its core meanings and usage:

• "Come out of the woodwork" is used to describe people surfacing unexpectedly, often when there's something to gain or when their interests are piqued.
• These individuals are usually seen as opportunistic, and their motives may be questionable.
• The idiom is versatile and is applicable in various contexts, from personal interactions to societal observations and professional situations.

Where Does "Come Out of the Woodwork" Come From?

The phrase "come out of the woodwork" is believed to have originated from the world of insects. Wood-boring insects tend to stay hidden within the timber, only coming out of their hiding places when disturbed or attracted by certain conditions, much like people who emerge suddenly in response to specific situations.

Historical Example

"Well , as you indicated so well, they come out of the woodwork when you start talking about money."

- Phase II of the President's New Economic Program, 1971

10 Examples of "Come Out of the Woodwork" in Sentences

Here are some examples of the idiom in use:

• When he won the lottery, people started to come out of the woodwork, asking for money.
• Critics began to come out of the woodwork as soon as the scandal broke.
• After the celebrity's death, people claiming to be relatives began to come out of the woodwork.
• At the mere mention of free concert tickets, my so-called friends came out of the woodwork, eager to seize the moment and be part of the big event.
• As the political climate heated up, activists came out of the woodwork.
• When I hinted at a promotion opportunity, colleagues I barely knew started to come out of the woodwork to inquire about it.
• When the news of the inheritance became public, distant relatives started to come out of the woodwork.
• Once the art piece was recognized as a masterpiece, buyers began to come out of the woodwork.
• People at the office come out of the woodwork during chow time.
• Once the rumor spread that I'd won the lottery, people who bailed on me came out of the woodwork to reminisce about old times.

Examples of "Come Out of the Woodwork" in Pop Culture

The phrase "come out of the woodwork" has also found its way into pop culture, often used to denote the sudden appearance of people in response to certain events.

Let's explore some instances:

• "Out Of The Woodwork" is a song by Courtney Barnett from the album: The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas.
• "And that stool pigeon wouldn't come out of the woodwork, knowing that half the police force is looking for him, if he didn't have the backing of someone powerful," is a quote from the book The Sadness of the Samurai by Victor del Arbol.
• In the TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993-1997), Perry White tells Al Capone, "Great shades of Elvis! They're coming out of the woodwork now."

Other/Different Ways to Say "Come Out of the Woodwork"

There are various other expressions that convey a similar meaning to "come out of the woodwork."

Here are some of them:

• Surface unexpectedly
• Appear from nowhere
• Turn up out of the blue
• Spring up like mushrooms
• Emerge suddenly
• Come out of hiding
• Show up all of a sudden
• Appear as if by magic
• Pop up unexpectedly
• Come forth unexpectedly

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Come Out of the Woodwork":

• What does "come out of the woodwork" mean?

"Come out of the woodwork" refers to the sudden emergence or appearance of people from obscurity or a place of concealment, often in reaction to a particular situation or event.

• How can I use "come out of the woodwork" in a sentence?

You can use "come out of the woodwork" to describe a sudden appearance of people from unexpected places, such as, "After the announcement of the prize, contestants came out of the woodwork."

• Where does the idiom "come out of the woodwork" come from?

The phrase "come out of the woodwork" likely originated from the behavior of insects that live in wood and come out when certain conditions are met.

• Does "come out of the woodwork" have a negative connotation?

While not always negative, "come out of the woodwork" can sometimes carry a negative connotation, especially if the people emerging are seen as opportunistic or their motives are questionable.

• Can "come out of the woodwork" be used in a professional context?

Yes, "come out of the woodwork" can be used in a professional context to describe, for example, individuals who express interest in a project or job opportunity only after seeing signs of success.

• Is "come out of the woodwork" a common phrase?

Yes, "come out of the woodwork" is quite common, particularly in spoken English and journalistic writing, where colorful idioms are often used to make language more vivid and engaging.

• Does "come out of the woodwork" imply hidden intentions?

Not necessarily. While it can suggest the unexpected emergence of people with possible hidden motives, it can also be used neutrally to describe any sudden appearance of people from unexpected or concealed places.

• Can "come out of the woodwork" be used to describe non-human entities?

Yes, although it's less common, "come out of the woodwork" can be used metaphorically to describe the sudden appearance or revelation of non-human entities, such as hidden problems or issues.

• Is there a literal meaning to "come out of the woodwork"?

The phrase "come out of the woodwork" has no literal application in modern English, as it is an idiomatic expression. Its origins likely reference the behavior of wood-dwelling insects, but it is not used in this literal sense today.

• Is "come out of the woodwork" used worldwide?

As an English idiom, "come out of the woodwork" is used in English-speaking regions worldwide. The concept behind the phrase—of things or people suddenly appearing from unexpected places—is universal and might have equivalents in other languages.

Final Thoughts About "Come Out of the Woodwork"

The idiom "come out of the woodwork" emphasizes the sudden and unexpected emergence of people or things from hidden or unknown places. Whether it's opportunistic individuals responding to an event or hidden problems revealing themselves, the phrase captures the element of surprise and the unknown that often accompanies such appearances.

Here's a quick recap:

• "Come out of the woodwork" conveys the unexpected appearance of people or things from obscurity or hidden places.
• While it can sometimes carry a negative connotation, it can also be used neutrally, depending on the context.
• Its usage isn't confined to humans—it can describe the sudden revelation of non-human entities, like issues or problems.

The phrase is a colorful way to depict sudden appearances and the unknown factors that often accompany them, adding vivid imagery to everyday language.