Phrase guide

come out of the woodwork

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To appear or emerge unexpectedly or inexplicably, frequently in large numbers or quantity.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: derogatory, idiomatic

Examples

  • He won the lottery last year and he has had old "friends" and distant relatives coming out of the woodwork ever since.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: crawl out of the woodwork, bring out of the woodwork, pull out of the woodwork

Antonyms: blend into the woodwork

History

Etymology

From the idea of insects crawling out from inside the woodwork in a house.