patter of little feet, the

the patter of little 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 little feet. The patter of little feet has become less audible in this small town in recent years, as younger generations continue to leave in search of better opportunities.

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.”