the call is coming from inside the house
This phrase originates from a horror trope where a character realizes the danger is very close, and has evolved to describe internal sources of problems.
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Definition
C1General
(idiomatic, informal)Indicates that a problem or threat originates from within one's own environment or group.
Example
- We thought the competitor was stealing our clients, but it turns out the call is coming from inside the house; our own team was leaking information.
B2Entertainment
(horror, thriller)A dramatic twist where the antagonist is revealed to be in close proximity to the protagonist, often within the same location.
Example
- In the movie, the babysitter discovers that the call is coming from inside the house, heightening the suspense.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "the call is coming from inside the house":