noises off
It's a theater term that means, there are noises off-stage. Such noises indicate goings-on that the audience can surmise but not see: background chatter and busy-ness. The noises of Seattle, here where I am staying, are very different from the noises of Colorado Springs. This is a city, and there is a steady white-noise like an air conditioner outside the window, though no responsible device is in view from the window. There is the occasional bang of a door no one thinks to close quietly, and... Sign in to see full entry.