Nooks and Crannies: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
July 3, 2023

The idiom "nooks and crannies" refers to small, hidden, or out-of-the-way places. People use it to describe a physical space, such as a room or a house, or a figurative space, such as a person's mind or heart.

In short:

The phrase "nooks and crannies" refers to small, hidden spots that are hard to find. 

What Does "Nooks and Crannies" Mean?

A "nook" is a little corner, while a "cranny" is a narrow opening or crack. So "nooks and crannies" are the little corners and cracks that we don't usually see. When we say we're exploring the "nooks and crannies" of a topic, we mean we're investigating all the details, especially the small, hidden ones.

To explore the nooks and crannies, we dig deep to uncover the most subtle and intricate parts. People use it to describe detailed exploration, thorough searches, or meticulous work.

  • It can express thorough exploration or discovery. For example, "She explored every nook and cranny of the old castle."
  • The phrase suggests a diligent, thorough search. An example might be: "The detective searched every nook and cranny for clues."
  • It can also signify meticulous work or attention to detail, such as, "He cleaned every nook and cranny of the car."

Where Does "Nooks and Crannies" Come From?

The idiom "nooks and crannies" is first recorded in the early 1500s. However, it is likely that the idiom is much older. Both words refer to small, often hidden places: a nook is a corner or recess, particularly in a room, while a cranny is a small, narrow opening or crevice. Combining the two words, the phrase itself seems to have been in use since at least the 17th century.

Historical Usage

"I take an interest in all the nooks and crannies and every development of cities; s0 here I try to make a description of the view from the back windows of a house in the centre of Boston..."

-Works of Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1870

10 Examples of "Nooks and Crannies" in Sentences

To better understand the idiom's usage, let's examine its use in a variety of contexts:

  • The same old nooks and crannies of the house bring me comfort and familiarity.
  • The cat likes to hide in the nooks and crannies around the house.
  • The artist pays attention to every nook and cranny in his intricate drawings.
  • They searched every nook and cranny for the missing document.
  • The interior designer decorated every nook and cranny of the room.
  • Reading a room is a skill; you have to pay attention to every nook and cranny of body language and tone.
  • We've moved bag and baggage, exploring our new home's nooks and crannies.
  • During our exploration of the ancient castle, we discovered secret passages hidden in the nooks and crannies of the structure.
  • The detective was meticulous in his investigation, examining every nook and cranny of the crime scene.
  • You're a peach! You did clean every nook and cranny of the house.

Examples of "Nooks and Crannies" in Pop Culture

"Nooks and Crannies" has found its way into various elements of pop culture, illustrating its widespread use and familiarity.

Let's take a look at some examples:

  • "Any city provides no shortage of nooks and crannies in which to hunker down. What there was a shortage of, were safe nooks and crannies" is a quote from the 2014 book Truth Seeker by J. Patrick O'Connor.
  • Nooks & Crannies” is a 2015 mystery novel by Jessica Lawson. This book tells the story of Tabitha Crum, a lonely and neglected girl who loves reading detective stories and has a pet mouse named Pemberley.
  • "Nooks & Crannies" is the title of an episode of the TV mini-series "Simple Life."
  • "Drugs and Mentality with Nooks and Crannies" is the title of an episode of the podcast series "The Eastern Border."

Other/Different Ways to Say "Nooks and Crannies"

While "nooks and crannies" is a very specific phrase, there are some alternatives or similar expressions that can be used to convey the same idea:

  • Hidden corners
  • Cracks and crevices
  • Secret spots
  • Hidey-holes
  • Out-of-the-way places
  • Cubbyholes
  • Alcoves
  • Recesses
  • The finer points
  • All the nitty-gritty details
  • Concealed areas
  • The intricacies

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Nooks and Crannies"

  • What does "nooks and crannies" mean?

"Nooks and crannies" refers to small, secluded, or hidden places often overlooked in a larger space. It can be used literally, such as referring to hidden parts of a building, or metaphorically, such as aspects of a problem or situation.

  • How can I use "nooks and crannies" in a sentence?

For example, you can say, "We spent the entire day cleaning every nook and cranny of the house," or "He knows the nooks and crannies of this legislation better than anyone else."

  • Where does the idiom "nooks and crannies" come from?

The phrase "nooks and crannies" is believed to originate from old English, where "nook" meant a corner and "cranny" referred to a small crack or fissure. Combined, they describe the minor, often overlooked parts of a larger whole.

  • Is "nooks and crannies" informal?

"Nooks and crannies" can be used in both formal and informal settings, as it is a common and widely accepted phrase in English.

  • Can "nooks and crannies" refer to abstract concepts?

Yes, the phrase can be used metaphorically to refer to overlooked aspects of abstract concepts, such as problems, situations, or ideas.

  • Can "nooks and crannies" refer to details in a story or argument?

Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe intricate details or aspects of a story, argument, or concept.

  • Can I use it to describe a person's character?

While it's more common to use "nooks and crannies" to describe physical places or abstract ideas, it can also be used metaphorically to refer to aspects of a person's character or personality.

  • Is "nooks and crannies" commonly used in British English?

Yes, "nooks and crannies" is a common idiom in both British and American English.

  • Can "nooks and crannies" refer to secret or hidden locations?

Absolutely! The phrase "nooks and crannies" often refers to secluded or hidden places that are part of a larger area.

  • Is it appropriate to use "nooks and crannies" in academic writing?

While it's not inappropriate, the use of idiomatic expressions like "nooks and crannies" in academic writing depends on the context and the stylistic guidelines of the specific academic discipline. Some might prefer more direct language.

  • Is it "nook and crannies" or "nooks and crannies"?

The correct form is "nooks and crannies." "nook" and "cranny" are singular nouns, so they become plural "nooks" and "crannies" in the idiom.

Final Thoughts About "Nooks and Crannies"

"Nooks and crannies" is an idiom that vividly expresses the idea of small, hidden, or overlooked parts of a larger whole. It can be used in a wide range of literal and metaphorical contexts to add color and detail to your language.

Here's a quick recap:

  • "Nooks and crannies" refers to small, secluded, or overlooked parts of a larger whole.
  • It's a common phrase in English and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
  • The phrase can be used both literally and metaphorically.

So, the next time you want to convey the intricacies or hidden aspects of something, consider using the phrase "nooks and crannies."

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