10 spooky English idioms to use this Halloween

The English language is rich with vivid expressions, many of which have a spooky twist — perfect for the Halloween season.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your seasonal ghost stories, searching for a fun caption for your social media post, or simply enjoying the spooky season, try these English idioms to add a touch of Halloween spirit to your vocabulary.

1. Skeletons in the closet

This phrase refers to hidden secrets and is perfect for when the mysterious takes center stage. Use it to hint at something hidden or sinister in a ghost story or when describing someone mysterious. 

Example: “You might think he’s innocent, but everyone has skeletons in the closet.”

2. Ghost town

A “ghost town” describes an eerily deserted place. On Halloween, it’s a great way to describe an abandoned building or empty streets after dark. Picture walking through a neighborhood with no one in sight.

Example: “After the clock struck midnight, the neighborhood turned into a ghost town. No one dared to come outside.”

3. Scaredy cat

This idiom playfully describes someone who is easily frightened, making it perfect for Halloween. You can use this one whether you’re talking about a friend afraid to enter a haunted house or someone who simply jumps at their own shadow.

Example: “Don’t be such a scaredy cat! There’s no such thing as ghosts! ”

4. Dig your own grave

To “dig your own grave” means to make a mistake that will lead to trouble. This phrase takes on an eerie double meaning on Halloween, making it perfect for scary stories. 

Example: “They were warned that entering the cemetery at night is like digging your own grave.”

5. Graveyard shift

You can use this when referring to working late at night; “graveyard shift” has a spooky connotation. It’s perfect to describe happenings after dark when only the bravest or foolish souls are awake.

Example: “Working the graveyard shift at the hospital, he often heard strange noises coming from the morgue.”

6. Over my dead body

This is an emphatic way to refuse something and fits right into Halloween’s creepy atmosphere. Use it during spooky encounters or when making a dramatic statement.

Example: “Over my dead body, am I going outside to find out what that noise was!"

7. Witching hour

The "witching hour" is traditionally considered the time of night when supernatural beings are most active. While there isn't a clear agreement on the exact time, you can pick a specific hour to add an extra spooky vibe to your Halloween party or event.

Example: “It was during the witching hour that the teens heard the howls coming from the forest.”

8. The cat’s out of the bag

This commonly used idiom means revealing a secret. While it isn’t inherently ghoulish, it fits into Halloween when discussing secrets or unveiling surprises.

Example: “Well, the cat’s out of the bag — the house is haunted!"

9. In the dead of night

This phrase describes something happening late at night when everything is silent, still, and ominous — perfect for when you are setting the Halloween mood. 

Example: “In the dead of night, he could hear the sound of footsteps getting louder as they approached.”

10. The devil’s in the details

This idiom implies that small details can lead to big problems, and its devilish tone makes it perfect for when you are planning your Halloween party.

Example: “Be creative when preparing your Halloween costumes; the devil’s in the details!"

Happy Halloween!