nigger\ in\ the\ woodpile

nigger\ in\ the\ woodpile
n. phr. slang
Something unexpected that changes a situation; a hidden factor or trick. - Racist and offensive, but commonly used in the past.

I knew there had to be a nigger in the woodpile, because the man was being much too generous.

When the salesman gave him an extra tire for his bike, the boy suspected a nigger in the woodpile.


Словарь американских идиом. — СПб., Изд-во "Лань". . 1997.

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  • Nigger in the woodpile — A parody, titled The Nigger in the Woodpile , of Republican efforts to play down the antislavery plank in their 1860 platform. A nigger in the woodpile (or fence) is an English figure of speech formerly commonly used in the United States and… …   Wikipedia

  • nigger in the woodpile — {n. phr.}, {slang} Something unexpected that changes a situation; a hidden factor or trick. Racist and offensive, but commonly used in the past. * /I knew there had to be a nigger in the woodpile, because the man was being much too generous./ *… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • nigger in the woodpile — {n. phr.}, {slang} Something unexpected that changes a situation; a hidden factor or trick. Racist and offensive, but commonly used in the past. * /I knew there had to be a nigger in the woodpile, because the man was being much too generous./ *… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • nigger in the woodpile — something (as a concealed motive or obscure factor) contrary to appearances in a situation * * * nigger in the woodpile A hidden evil influence • • • Main Entry: ↑nigger …   Useful english dictionary

  • a nigger in the woodpile — ► a nigger in the woodpile dated a hidden cause of trouble. Main Entry: ↑nigger …   English terms dictionary

  • nigger in the woodpile — noun A hidden or suspicious influence or motive …   Wiktionary

  • Nigger in the woodpile — hidden snag …   Dictionary of Australian slang

  • nigger in the woodpile — Australian Slang hidden snag …   English dialects glossary

  • nigger — ► NOUN offensive ▪ a black person. ● a nigger in the woodpile Cf. ↑a nigger in the woodpile USAGE The word nigger has had strong offensive connotations since the 17th century. Recently, however, it has begun to be used by black people as a mildly …   English terms dictionary

  • nigger — (n.) 1786, earlier neger (1568, Scottish and northern England dialect), from Fr. nègre, from Sp. negro (see NEGRO (Cf. Negro)). From the earliest usage it was the term that carries with it all the obloquy and contempt and rejection which whites… …   Etymology dictionary

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