come out of the woodwork

[Francois]

Eg. "After putting up an old friend of his for some weeks, several of his 'feats' came out of the woodwork".
Where does this expression come from?

FRC

 

[Tdol]

I presume it refers to the creatures that eat their way through wood.;-)

 

[Francois]

Right. I should have looked up 'woodwork' before asking I guess ;-)
TY

FRC

 

[flowerkim]

I don't think this is actually the origin... does anyone else have any ideas:?: