come out of the woodwork

Definition

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

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

• "He won the lottery last year and he has had old "friends" and distant relatives coming out of the woodwork ever since."
• "[...] 90-day wonders [...] were kicked around by harassed Regulars who were [...] just too busy to take time to spare the feelings of those strange creatures who came out of the woodwork and wanted the privileges of officers, without being fully prepared to do the work of officers."
• "Would-be informants came crawling out of the woodwork, drawn to McCarthy as moths to light, each peddling a new version of Lattimore's evil deeds."