the sandman is coming
Meaning: It's time to sleep; someone is getting sleepy.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The kids are yawning; the sandman is coming.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: In European folklore the sandman sprinkles sand in children's eyes to make them sleepy, which explains rubbing tired eyes. E. T. A. Hoffmann's story Der Sandmann (1816) and Hans Christian Andersen's Ole Lukøje (1841) spread the figure.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Le marchand de sable est passé — literally: The sandman has been by
More idioms — Daily Life
- cash on the nail — Payment made immediately.
- move the needle — To make a noticeable difference.
- have a few tricks up one's sleeve — To have secret plans or resources in reserve.
- so near and yet so far — Close to something one wants but unable to reach it.
- cast the first stone — To be the first to condemn someone.
- steal a march on — To gain an advantage by acting before someone else.
More English idioms
- bite the hand that feeds you — To harm or insult someone who helps you.
- soaked to the skin — Completely wet.
- in two shakes of a lamb's tail — Very quickly.
- a Procrustean bed — A rigid standard forced on everything, whatever the damage.
- a Sisyphean task — An endless, futile task.
- jam tomorrow — A promise of good things in the future that never arrive.
From our compliments & insults
- Eres un sol — You're a lovely, warm-hearted person.
- Eres más bueno que el pan — You are a genuinely good, kind soul.
- Sei in gamba — You're sharp, capable, and on the ball.