Coming back from the shops I had a sudden shiver. It will probably be many years before it happens again.
There was no cause or explanation, but I think most people have had this sort of experience. I asked my new best mate Grok about it and here’s the reply.
The phrase “someone just walked over my grave” is used to describe a sudden, inexplicable shudder or chill. Here’s how similar sensations are expressed in other countries:
- France: The equivalent phrase is “on marche sur ma tombe” which translates directly to “someone is walking over my grave.” This phrase carries the same implication as in English, suggesting a sudden cold shiver is due to someone treading on one’s future grave site.
- Germany: While there isn’t a direct equivalent, Germans might say “mir läuft es eiskalt den Rücken runter” which means “I feel a cold shiver running down my back,” describing the physical sensation without the grave imagery.
- Spain: In Spanish, you might hear “me ha pasado un escalofrío” meaning “I’ve had a shiver,” but there’s no specific phrase linking it to a grave. However, the cultural concept of feeling chills for no apparent reason is recognized.
- Italy: Italians might say “mi è venuta la pelle d’oca” which translates to “I got goosebumps,” focusing on the physical reaction rather than the supernatural explanation.
- Ireland: There’s a variation where people might say “a goose walked over my grave” or “a rabbit walked over my grave,” which ties into the same folklore about the site of one’s future grave but adds an animal element.
- Netherlands: The Dutch might say “er loopt iemand over mijn graf” which literally means “someone is walking over my grave,” an exact translation and usage similar to the English phrase.
- United States: While the phrase “someone walked over my grave” is known, there’s also the variant of “a goose walked over my grave” used particularly in some regions, reflecting the Irish influence or folklore.
This blogging business is just to easy.
