"surprise" idioms...
See also, a list of phrases that relate in some way to the word surprise
" Eyebrow raising "
Meaning:
Something that creates shock or surprise.
Example:
Everyone expected Brokeback Mountain to get the Oscar. When the announcement said Crash had won it was truly eyebrow raising.
Where did it originate?:
USA and Britain, early 20th century.
Where is it used?:
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" Great scot "
Meaning:
Exclamation of surprise.
Example:
Great Scot James, isn't there a gorilla in the back seat of that car!
Where is it used?:
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" Hidden in plain sight "
Meaning:
Something that defies apprehension by being too obvious.
Example:
After robbing the jewellers the thief just stood in the crowd and watched the police search all the local alleys. I guess hiding in plain sight worked for him.
Where did it originate?:
Where is it used?:
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" Holy shit! "
Meaning:
An expression of extreme surprise or disbelief.
Example:
Two lottery wins in our street in one week! Holy shit - that's next to impossible.
Where did it originate?:
Where is it used?:
Mostly USA.
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" Out of the blue "
Meaning:
Suddenly and unexpectedly.
Example:
We were sunbathing and then it just started to hail. It was literally out of the blue.
Where did it originate?:
Britain , 19th century (as 'a bolt from the blue').
Where is it used?:
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" Stranger things have happened "
Meaning:
Said when the feasibility of some unlikely event is questioned.
Example:
Jamie says he just saw a chimp waiting at the bus stop. I don't really believe him, but then, stranger things have happened.
Where is it used?:
Mostly Britain.
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