ships that pass in the night noun[plural only]2 •Two or more people who encounter one another in a transitory, incidental manner and whose relationship is without lasting significance; two or more people who almost encounter one another, but do not do so.[H]e sat down and we got into conversation. There wasn't time to talk much. . . . We got along famously. But—oh, well, it was just another case of ships that pass in the night. — 1922 •Things which have no significant connection or commonality.[T]he central figures in the action seem vaguely unrelated to one another, like ships passing in the night. — 1966
