two ships that pass in the night

== English == === Alternative forms === ships in the night ships passing in the night ships that passed in the night === Etymology === From a poetic metaphor by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882). === Pronunciation === === Noun === ships that pass in the night pl (plural only) (simile) Two or more people who encounter one another in a transitory, incidental manner and whose relationship is without lasting significance; two or more people who almost encounter one another, but do not do so. 2011 July 15, Kim Bielenberg, "18 holes with the Holywood hero," Independent (Ireland) (retrieved 19 Oct 2013): At one point, Gerry McIlroy had two jobs, putting in a 100-hour week as a cleaner and barman, while his mother Rosie worked a night shift in a factory. . . . Rosie and Gerry were like ships that passed in the night. (by extension) Things which have no significant connection or commonality. 2009 February 14, Richard Dawkins, "The Science Show: Interpreting Darwin's theory" (transcript of interview), abc.net.au (Australia) (retrieved 19 Oct 2013): As a connoisseur of enigmatic titles . . . the Gouldian title that gives me most pleasure is a joint paper, "Clams and brachiopods: Ships that pass in the night," in a learned journal. ==== Usage notes ==== Often used in the prepositional phrase like ships that pass in the night. === References === === Further reading === “ships that pass in the night”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.