bump in the night
Mysterious nocturnal noise
A bump in the night is an unexplained sound heard in darkness—the kind that makes you wonder if someone or something is moving through the house.
The phrase comes from a Scottish prayer asking protection from "ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night." It evokes childhood fears and horror-movie suspense: Every bump in the night had her reaching for the baseball bat.
- creakHarsh, squeaky noise
- ghostApparition of the dead
- rustleSoft crackling sound
- scuttleSink intentionally; hurried shuffle
- fearEmotional response to threat
poltergeist · cold spot · apparition · shadow figure · haunted house · phantom · howl · thud · floorboard · dread · knock · imagination · horror movie · sleep paralysis · wraith · specter · banshee · whisper
bump in the nightbroad daylight
Fully visible daytime conditions
high noon · light of day · morning routine · daytime · dawn chorus
bump in the nightpeace and quiet
Freedom from disturbance
safe haven · guardian angel · all clear · tranquility · domestic bliss
bump, bumps, bumped, bumping, bumpy, bumpier, bumpiest, bumper, night