How to Pronounce "out of the woodwork"
expression
OWT-uhv-THUH WOOD-wurk
OWT-ov-THUH WOOD-wurk
Definition
To unexpectedly appear or become noticeable, often after being hidden or inactive, especially in large numbers or when an opportunity arises.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈaʊt/ /ˈəv/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈwʊdˌwɝk
British English
ˈaʊt/ /ˈɒv/ /ðə, ði/ /wˈʊdwɜːk
Simplified Pronunciation
US
OWT-uhv-THUH WOOD-wurk
UK
OWT-ov-THUH WOOD-wurk
Listen in Context
After her success, old friends came out of the woodwork to contact her.
Whenever there is free food, people seem to come out of the woodwork.
Complaints came out of the woodwork after the new rule was announced.
As soon as he won the lottery, relatives he never knew came out of the woodwork.