IdiomAnimals
English
Englishholy cow!
Meaning: An exclamation of surprise.
Example: “Holy cow! Look at the size of that pumpkin.”
Origin: A mild American substitute for stronger oaths, recorded from the early 20th century. It was popularized by baseball broadcasters such as Phil Rizzuto.
Equivalents in other languages
Polish: rany koguta Literally: Rooster's wounds
French: La vache ! Literally: The cow!
More English idioms
- good riddance Said when one is glad to be rid of someone or something.
- go through the wringer To go through a very hard experience.
- go off on a tangent To wander away from the subject being discussed.
- strike out To fail completely, especially in an attempt to attract someone.
- clear as day Completely obvious.
- nothing doing Refusal; there is no chance of that happening.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- 石頭 (Ishiatama) A stubborn, inflexible person who won't budge.
- Tu as du chien You have a certain irresistible magnetism — a je-ne-sais-quoi that draws people in.
- Tu as la tête sur les épaules You're grounded, sensible, and dependable — not easily swept off course.
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