IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishwell, I never!
Meaning: An exclamation of surprise or disbelief.
Example: “She married him after all? Well, I never!”
Origin: Short for something like "well, I never heard the like." The phrase is recorded from the 19th century and now sounds old-fashioned and slightly comic.
Equivalents in other languages
German: Ich glaub mein Schwein pfeift Literally: I think my pig is whistling
More English idioms
- the heart of the matter The most important part of an issue.
- play cat and mouse To toy with someone one has power over.
- blow me down An exclamation of complete surprise.
- hunky-dory Perfectly fine.
- be over the moon Absolutely delighted.
- the morning after the night before A hangover, and the regret that comes with it.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Eres la leche You're the best — absolutely fantastic.
- Eline sağlık Praise and thanks to someone — especially a cook — for something made beautifully by hand.
- És uma joia You're a gem — a precious, lovely person.
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