graveyard shift

The phrase "graveyard shift" refers to a work shift that typically takes place during the late night hours, usually starting around midnight and ending early in the morning. It is commonly associated with jobs that operate 24/7, such as hospitals, emergency services, security, transportation, and manufacturing industries. The term "graveyard shift" originated from the idea that the shift's timing coincides with the quiet and stillness of a graveyard during those late hours when most people are asleep.