graveyard Idiom

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Graveyard shift

If you have to work very late at night, it is the graveyard shift.

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Whistling past the graveyard

(USA) If someone is whistling past the graveyard, they are trying to remain cheerful in difficult circumstances. ('Whistling past the cemetery' is also used.)

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graveyard shift|graveyard|shift

n. phr. The work period lasting from sundown to sunup, when one has to work in the dark or by artificial light. "Why are you always so sleepy in class?" Professor Brown asked Sam. "Because I have to work the graveyard shift beside going to school," Sam answered.