nigger in the woodpile

nigger in the woodpile  {n. phr.},  {slang}
Something unexpected that changes a situation; a hidden factor or trick. — Racist and offensive, but commonly used in the past.
I knew there had to be a nigger in the woodpile, because the man was being much too generous.
When the salesman gave him an extra tire for his bike, the boy suspected a nigger in the woodpile.
Categories: avoidabe offensive {n. phr.} {slang}