What does “Lo and behold” mean?
"Lo and behold" means that something surprising or astonishing has happened.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I opened the door and lo and behold, there was my long-lost friend.
Example
I was searching for my keys and lo and behold, they were right in front of me.
Example
I was walking in the park and lo and behold, I saw a rainbow
Is “Lo and behold” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Lo and behold” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Lo and behold” effectively in context?
You can use "Lo and Behold" to express surprise or astonishment when something unexpected or remarkable happens. It adds a dramatic effect to your statement. For example, if you find something you've been looking for in an unexpected place, you might say, 'I was searching for my keys, and "lo and behold", they were right in front of me.'
- 1Reunion
I opened the door and lo and behold, there was my long-lost friend.
- 2Finding Something
I was searching for my keys and lo and behold, they were right in front of me.
- 3Unexpected Sight
I was walking in the park and lo and behold, I saw a rainbow.
Similar phrases to “Lo and behold”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Lo and behold” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Lo and Behold" is unknown.
Is “Lo and behold” common in everyday conversation?
"Lo and Behold" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to add emphasis and surprise to their statements.
What tone does “Lo and behold” have?
"Lo and Behold" conveys a tone of astonishment and wonder. It's often used to highlight unexpected or remarkable events.
Can “Lo and behold” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Lo and Behold" is more commonly used in informal settings. It adds a touch of excitement and surprise to casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. However, it can also be used in more formal situations to add a dramatic effect.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
"Lo and Behold" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I opened the door and "lo and behold", there was my long-lost friend.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying '"Lo and behold"!' to express surprise.
