The idiom "wonders never cease" is a phrase that has been in use for many years, but its precise origin is not documented in detail. It is a common and expressive idiom that reflects the sense of wonder and amazement at unexpected or extraordinary events. This phrase is used to express surprise or amazement at something unexpected or remarkable. It conveys the idea that extraordinary or unusual things can happen, even when least expected.

What is the origin of the idiom "wonders never cease" and when to use it?

wonders (will|) never cease

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The exact origin of the idiom "a likely story" is not precisely documented. It has been in common usage for many years and has been used to express skepticism or doubt about the credibility of a statement or explanation that seems improbable.

What is the origin of the idiom "a likely story" and when to use it?

a likely story

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The exact origin of the idiom "it is a small world" is not precisely documented, but it has been in use for many years and is widely recognized as a well-established expression in the English language. It is used to express surprise or amazement when people discover unexpected connections or shared experiences.

What is the origin of the idiom "it is a small world" and when to use it?

a small world

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The idiom "as I live and breathe" is used to express surprise, disbelief, or confusion upon encountering someone or something unexpectedly. The exact origin of this phrase is uncertain, as it has been in use for many years. It likely emerged during the 19th century or earlier.

What is the origin of the idiom "as I live and breathe" and when to use it?

as I live and breathe

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By gum is an exclamation used to emphasize a statement, express determination, or mild astonishment. It appeared in English in the 18th century as a euphemistic substitute for "by God," allowing speakers to convey strong feeling without swearing. People used it in everyday speech, literature, and storytelling to stress a point, show resolve, or react to surprising events. Today it is inoffensive, slightly old-fashioned, and folksy, often adding emphasis or a colorful tone to statements without being vulgar.

What is the origin of the idiom "by gum" and when to use it?

by gum

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The idiom "good grief" is an expression used to convey surprise or frustration. It originated in the early 1900s and gained popularity through its usage in the comic strip "Peanuts" by Charles M. Schulz, where the character Charlie Brown frequently exclaimed "Good grief!" in response to various situations.

What is the origin of the idiom "good grief" and when to use it?

good grief

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The origin of the idiom "be a monkey's uncle" can be traced back to the famous Scopes Monkey Trial that took place in 1925 in the United States. During the trial, a lawyer sarcastically asked the judge if he wanted to "make a monkey out of me" by allowing the opposing lawyer to present evidence. The judge responded with the phrase "I'm not trying to make a monkey out of anyone. I'm trying to establish whether or not you are related to the monkey." The phrase "be a monkey's uncle" since then, gained popularity as a humorous way to express skepticism or to mock someone's claim.

What is the origin of the idiom "be a monkey's uncle" and when to use it?

[be] a monkey's uncle

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The origin of the idiom "my ass" is unclear, but it has been around for a while. It is a casual and straightforward way that people use to say they do not believe something or disagree with it. This expression is often used in informal conversations and can be offensive at times.

What is the origin of the idiom "my ass" and when to use it?

my ass

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The idiom "my eye" is an informal expression used to express disbelief, skepticism, or rejection of a statement or claim. This expression was originated in British English in the early 20th century, but the exact origin of this idiom is difficult to pinpoint.

What is the origin of the idiom "my eye" and when to use it?

my eye

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The idiom "my foot" is an informal expression that is used to express strong disagreement, disbelief, or rejection of a statement or claim. It is a shortened form of the phrase "not on your foot" or "not on your life," which originated in the early 20th century.

What is the origin of the idiom "my foot" and when to use it?

my foot

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The idiom "you wish" as an expression of disbelief or challenging someone's statement has a more straightforward origin. It likely developed as way for people to express skepticism or dismiss someone's statement. While the precise historical origins are not well-documented, it is commonly used in casual conversations to convey one's doubt regarding someone's claim or belief.

What is the origin of the idiom "you wish" and when to use it?

you wish

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The idiom "hell's bells" is an informal exclamation that is used to express surprise, annoyance, or frustration. It is typically used in casual language and is often used to emphasize a reaction or to convey a sense of exasperation. The precise origin of this expression is not well-documented, but it has been in use for many years.

What is the origin of the idiom "hell's bells" and when to use it?

hell's bells

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The idiom "like a deer caught in the headlights" is used to describe someone who is frozen with fear, surprise, or confusion, often in a situation where quick thinking or action is needed. The origin of this phrase is tied to this observable animal behavior, and it has become a widely recognized idiom.

What is the origin of the idiom "like a deer caught in the headlights" and when to use it?

like a (deer|rabbit) caught in (the|) headlights

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The idiom "of all the nerve" is an exclamation used to express indignation, outrage, or annoyance at someone's audacity or impudence. It emphasizes a feeling of surprise or disbelief at the actions or behavior of another person. The origin of the phrase can be traced back to the early 20th century, and it has since become a commonly used idiomatic expression in English.

What is the origin of the idiom "of all the nerve" and when to use it?

of all the (nerve|cheek)

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The idiom "for real" is an informal expression, and its origin is rooted in everyday language and conversation. It likely emerged over time as a way for people to seek confirmation or express surprise in response to something they have heard.

What is the origin of the idiom "for real" and when to use it?

for real

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Holy cow is an exclamation used to express surprise, amazement, or disbelief. It appeared in American English in the early 20th century as a playful euphemism for "holy Christ," allowing speakers to react strongly without swearing. People used it in newspapers, cartoons, radio, and everyday conversation to convey astonishment or shock in a humorous or emphatic way. Today it is inoffensive, widely recognized, and lighthearted, often adding a fun or dramatic tone to expressions of surprise or amazement.

What is the origin of the idiom "holy cow" and when to use it?

holy cow

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The idiom "holy shit" is used to express extreme surprise, shock, disbelief, or intense emotion. It is a stronger and more explicit version of expressions like "holy cow" or "holy moly." This expression should be used with caution. It is not suitable for formal or polite conversations, and its usage depends on the context and the people you are interacting with.

What is the origin of the idiom "holy shit" and when to use it?

holy shit

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Holy moly is an exclamation used to express surprise, shock, or amazement. It appeared in American English in the early 20th century, likely as a playful euphemism for "holy Mary" or "holy Moses," replacing sacred names with a harmless, rhyming word. The phrase became popular in newspapers, comic strips, radio, and everyday speech, especially from the 1920s onward, and was often used in lighthearted or humorous contexts. Today it sounds whimsical, slightly old-fashioned, and inoffensive.

What is the origin of the idiom "holy moly" and when to use it?

holy moly

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The idiom "one's eyes on stalks" is a colorful expression that conveys extreme surprise, confusion, or amazement. It is believed to have originated from the idea that when someone is utterly shocked or fascinated by something, their eyes appear as if they are extended on long stalks, like those of a snail or certain insects. This idiom is primarily used in informal and spoken language.

What is the origin of the idiom "one's eyes on stalks" and when to use it?

{one's} eyes [are] (out|) on stalks

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The idiom "one's jaw drops" originates from the physical reaction of a person's jaw literally dropping when they are astonished or surprised. This expression is used to describe a state of shock, disbelief, or amazement. This expression is commonly used in everyday conversation to emphasize the magnitude of one's surprise.

What is the origin of the idiom "one's jaw drops" and when to use it?

{one's} jaw [drop] (open|)

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The idiom "lo and behold" is a phrase used to express surprise or discovery when something unexpected or confusing is revealed. It is a way of drawing attention to the remarkable or unforeseen nature of what has just occurred. This expression has been in use for centuries and is derived from Middle English and Old English, where "lo" means "look" and "behold" means "see" or "observe."

What is the origin of the idiom "lo and behold" and when to use it?

lo and behold

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The idiom "good Lord" is used to express the feeling if surprise, confusion, or amazement. While the exact origin of this idiom is difficult to trace, it has been in use for a long time in the English language, often as an interjection to react to something unexpected or astounding. This expression is commonly used in informal and spoken language to express strong emotions or reactions.

What is the origin of the idiom "good Lord" and when to use it?

good (Lord|God|Heavens)

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Good gracious is an exclamation used to express surprise, amazement, or mild exasperation. It appeared in English in the 18th century as a polite, euphemistic way to invoke God without swearing, part of a broader pattern of mild oaths and expressions of astonishment. People used it in everyday speech, literature, and theater to react strongly but politely. Today it sounds old-fashioned, genteel, and inoffensive, often adding a polite, emphatic, or slightly dramatic tone to expressions of surprise or mild frustration.

What is the origin of the idiom "good gracious" and when to use it?

good gracious

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Discover how English idioms like "lo and behold" and "as I live and breathe" relate to showing surprise in English.

English Idioms for "Showing Surprise"