Dictionary

turn into a pumpkin en · VERB

Pronunciation

• (Australia) audio

Etymology

From the story of Cinderella, in which a pumpkin magically transformed into a coach reverts to its original form at midnight.

Meanings

1. (colloquial, idiomatic) To go to bed; to go to sleep (especially at, or around midnight).
   • Tell her I'm turning into a pumpkin if she stays out too late. She won't be getting a lift from me.
   • I'm about ready to turn into a pumpkin. You can stay up later if you want.
2. (colloquial, idiomatic) Used to indicate a curfew, or the time by which one must depart.
   • I'm turning into a pumpkin at 4:00, so we need to finish this.
   • My daughter turns into a pumpkin at 10:00, so you need to have her home before then.
   • "I need to get back now!" "Why? Are you going to turn into a pumpkin?"
3. (colloquial, idiomatic) To cease to be special or extraordinary.

Forms

wikipedia: Cinderella