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lo and behold
01
used to express one's surprise or bafflement at something unexpected or remarkable
Humorous
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "lo and behold" and when to use it?
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."
Examples
I was in Vienna sitting quietly in a café when, lo and behold, my cousin walked in.
