patter

Related to patter: Patter song, mockeries

spatter on (someone or something)

1. To splash or fall on someone or something in drops or small amounts. Grease from the bacon started spattering on the counter as it cooked in the pan. Make sure you change into some old jeans before you go on your walk. I don't want mud spattering on your nice clothes!
2. To cause some substance to splash or fall on someone or something in drops or small amounts. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "spatter" and "on." Be careful not to spatter paint on the floor! I always end up spattering globs of clay on myself whenever I sculpt.
See also: on, spatter

the patter of tiny feet

The sound of young children, especially in one's home. It was devastating to learn I couldn't conceive, after dreaming for years of hearing the patter of tiny feet.
See also: feet, of, patter, tiny
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

patter of tiny feet

the sound of young children; having children in the household. I really liked having the patter of tiny feet in the house. Darling, I think we're going to be hearing the patter of tiny feet soon.
See also: feet, of, patter, tiny
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

the patter of tiny feet

used to refer to the expectation of the birth of a baby.
2002 Pride If, like me, you find yourself single in the penultimate year of your twenties and the only patter of tiny feet is your neighbour's cat, then chop, chop ladies—so much to do so little time.
See also: feet, of, patter, tiny
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

the patter of tiny ˈfeet

(informal or humorous) a way of referring to children when somebody wants, or is going to have, a baby: We can’t wait to hear the patter of tiny feet.
See also: feet, of, patter, tiny
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

patter of tiny feet

n. the sound of young children; having children in the household. Darling, I think we’re going to be hearing the patter of tiny feet soon.
See also: feet, of, patter, tiny
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

patter of little feet, the

The presence of small children. This now usually ironic or satiric reference to the presence or imminent arrival of offspring was originally a bit of Victorian sentimentalism, as in Lord Ronald Sutherland-Gower’s Reminiscences (1883): “The patter of little feet, and the unconscious joyousness of children.”
See also: little, of, patter
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • spatter on
  • spatter on (someone or something)
  • spatter around
  • spatter
  • spatter (someone or something) with (something)
  • spatter with
  • spatter up
  • spatter up (something)
  • grease up
  • splash (someone, something, or oneself) with (something)
References in periodicals archive
They used slick patter to sell their victims an illusion
Hols scam pair, your time is up
As I can speak quite clearly, when and if needed, and dae the guid auld Glesgie patter too, how dae ah go aboot applyin' fur this joab?
Glasgow patter's lost in translation; Yourview: Comment OF THE DAY
Bumped into a few Hoops fans in Vegas and the patter was great.One punter called Brian told me a sob story about paying $300 to see the stage musical Jersey Boys - only to end up in a seat with a restricted view.
Hoops, that's plane crazy
And he believes the pitter patter of tiny feet is down to his footballers avoiding the pitter patter of rain by staying indoors.
HEARTS BABIES BOOM; Rain keeps players indoors, says boss
HAVING recently qualified for a senior's pass for bus travel within Scotland, I have met with an adverse form of Glasgow "patter" courtesy of a driver and a few passengers.
Crying foul; Yourview
EASTERN European bus drivers have been taught the Glesga patter in a bid to understand their customers.
GLESGA PATTER IS POLES APART
A total of 905,000 people entered the Phoenix Park attraction last year but the patter of tiny feet has boosted interest among families and schools so far in 2008.
Patter of TWO MILLION feet for baby boom zoo; RECORD NUMBERS TO VISIT
But as Gary was spotted anxiously clutching a pack of nappies, it seems as if the pitter patter of tiny feet may be arriving a little sooner than expected for the couple.
the Razz: BOYS ARE STREETS AHEAD
A comedy magic show that relied as much on Pete's saucy patter as his ability to make cards disappear, it was like watching Tommy Cooper acting in a Carry On film.
Pete's comedy magic act is still relying on all the tricks of the trade; PETE FIRMAN PREVIEW
His quirky style, backcombed hair and non-stop patter all contribute to his aura of bohemian intellectualism.
Why women fancy the skinny pants off Russell
AW, I'm coming over all misty with the news that London Zoo keepers are optimistic they'll be hearing the pitter patter of little paws for the first time in 21years.
GOING APE FOR BABY GORILLAS
Instead, her weapons are a cuppa and some old-fashioned Glasgow patter.
Record View: Spirit of Xmas
Could we be hearing the Pitt-er patter of tiny feet soon?
3am: BRAD PITT
Some toe-curling gurning for the cameras, even worse posh dimbo patter ("Have you got any scallops?") and a soundtrack of truly awful music.
Di-re viewing
"This is to inform all competitors, crew members, officials, sponsors and concerned parties that in the interest of safety and unavoidable circumstances, Western Kenya Motor Club, Eldoret, have called a force majeure and the event will not take place on 6 April, 2019, as scheduled," a KMSF bulletin, seen by Nation Sport on Tuesday, said.Jagjeet Patter, the Clerk of the Course for the third round of the series, said he was looking at a particular period in May for the new date.
Why Eldoret Rally has been postponed