GlobalBiblicalreligiousliteraryfigurative
- An unexpected and sudden arrival or event, often used in reference to the eschatological or divine coming that will occur without warning.
- A metaphor for an occurrence that happens stealthily and without prior indication.
USUKGlobalinformalidiomatic
- A person who steals or acts furtively at night; a burglar or nocturnal thief.
- Someone who leaves or withdraws secretly and without notification; to depart stealthily.
USUKGlobalneutralidiomatic
- A simile describing an action that is sudden, unexpected, and often unwelcome, used broadly to warn against or describe surprising intrusions or losses.