Brewer's: After-clap

Beware of after-claps

An after-clap is a catastrophe or threat after an affair is supposed to be over. It is very common in thunderstorms to hear a “clap” after the rain subsides, and the clouds break.

What plaguy mischief and mishaps Do dog him still with after-claps.

—Butler: Hudibras, Pt. i. 3.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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