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Behavior & Approach - Showing Surprise

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

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English idioms related to Behavior & Approach
wonders (will|) never cease

used to convey surprise or amazement when something unexpected or remarkable happens

Ex: My notoriously picky eater tried a new cuisine and loved it.Wonders never cease in the world of taste buds!
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a likely story

a way of saying that one does not believe something because it sounds too unbelievable or exaggerated

Ex: He swears he didn't eat the last slice of cake, but it's 'a likely story' considering it's his favorite.
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a small world

used to show one's surprise when meeting someone in a place one did not expect, or when one becomes aware of an unexpected relation between people

Ex: I ran into our old neighbor at the airport, and he knows your childhood friend.Small world, isn't it?
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as I live and breathe

used to show one's surprise when seeing someone or something unexpected

Ex: As I live and breathe, I never thought I'd see such a beautiful sight in my lifetime.
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by gum
by gum
[interjection]

used to emphasize a statement, express determination, or mild astonishment

Ex: By gum , I never thought we 'd make it through the storm .
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good grief
good grief
[interjection]

used to show that one is shocked, annoyed, or surprised

Ex: Good grief , it 's been raining for days ! Will it ever stop ?
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[be] a monkey's uncle

to display complete surprise or disbelief

Ex: She said she's going to win the lottery next week.Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle if that happens!
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my ass
my ass
[interjection]

used to show one's disbelief over something that was just said

Ex: Your cooking is that incredible ?My ass it is .
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my eye
my eye
[interjection]

used to express one's disagreement or disbelief

Ex: They claim to have found a solution to world hunger ?My eye , I 'll believe it when I see it .
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my foot
my foot
[interjection]

used to show one's disagreement or disbelief

Ex: She claims she 's never made a mistake ?My foot , nobody is perfect !
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you wish
you wish
[interjection]

used to tell a person that what they are hoping for will never happen or come true

Ex: Passing the test without studying a single page ?You wish !
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hell's bells

used to show one's frustration, surprise, or anger

Ex: You lost your wallet again?Hell's bells, you need to be more careful
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like a (deer|rabbit) caught in (the|) headlights

used to refer to a state in which someone is so surprised or frightened that they are unable to think clearly or make any move

Ex: When the fire alarm went off, the children looked like deer caught in the headlights, unsure of what to do.
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of all the (nerve|cheek)

used to express great shock, disapproval, anger, etc., in reaction to someone's bold behavior

Ex: She borrowed my favorite dress without asking and then returned it with a stain.Of all the nerve!
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for real
for real
[interjection]

used to emphasize that something is genuine, serious, or not a joke

Ex: You 're acting like you do n't care , but are you for real about quitting your job ?
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holy cow
holy cow
[interjection]

used to express surprise, amazement, or disbelief

Ex: He muttered , "Holy cow , " after seeing the huge mess .
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holy shit
holy shit
[interjection]

used to show that one is really shocked or amazed

Ex: I just won the lottery!Holy shit, my life is about to change!
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holy moly
holy moly
[interjection]

used to express surprise, shock, or amazement

Ex: Holy moly, that dog is huge!
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{one's} eyes [are] (out|) on stalks

used when one is looking at something with a great sense of wonder or surprise

Ex: The sudden appearance of a celebrity in the small town left the locals with their eyes out on stalks.
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{one's} jaw [drop] (open|)

used when something, such as unexpected news, causes one to be greatly confused or shocked

Ex: Her incredible performance on stage made everyone's jaw drop in the audience.
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lo and behold
lo and behold
[interjection]

used to express one's surprise or bafflement at something unexpected or remarkable

Ex: As we were exploring the forest , lo and behold , we stumbled upon a hidden waterfall .
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good (Lord|God|Heavens)
good Lord
[interjection]

used to show disbelief, shock, or surprise at something that has been said or done

Ex: Good Heavens, the sheer size of that mansion is mind-boggling.
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good gracious
good gracious
[interjection]

used to express surprise, amazement, or mild exasperation

Ex: Good gracious , I did n't expect the fireworks to be that loud .
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