“Lo and Behold” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 10, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“Lo and behold” is a common phrase heard and seen frequently in everyday conversation and writing. This reference covers the meaning of the phrase, its origin story, and provides examples of how to use it properly in conversations or statements. Understanding these can help you use “lo and behold” confidently and appropriately in your day-to-day interactions.

Lo And Behold Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “lo and behold” means to look and see something new in a situation or event. It is often used to introduce something that could have been predicted to appear.
Lo and Behold Meaning
Lo and Behold Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Lo And Behold Meaning

“Lo and behold” is an expression used to draw attention to something surprising or unexpected. It means “look and see” or “what a surprise.” It’s often used in storytelling or conversation to emphasize that something surprising or significant has occurred.

Origin of the Phrase

The word lo in the idiom “lo and behold” is a condensed version of the word look. Lo was a popular choice to use in the place of look as far back as the 18th century. The word behold means to see. The phrase was derived by the combination of both of these terms and first appeared during the first millennium. A similar phrase can also be found in the Bible.

Usage of “Lo And Behold”

Here are some examples of how it’s used in sentences:

  1. In storytelling:
    • “I thought the meeting was canceled, but lo and behold, everyone was already there waiting.”
  2. To highlight an unexpected event:
    • “I tried to fix the broken machine, and lo and behold, it started working perfectly!”
  3. In casual conversation:
    • “I was looking for my glasses everywhere, and lo and behold, they were on my head.”
  4. To introduce a surprising fact:
    • “He said he couldn’t find his book, and lo and behold, it was right on his desk.”

Related Terms to “Lo And Behold”

  • To one’s surprise – Used to highlight an unexpected outcome.
  • As it turns out – Used to introduce a surprising or unexpected fact.
  • Guess what? – A phrase used to introduce something surprising or unexpected.
  • What do you know? – A casual phrase to express mild surprise or discovery.
  • Surprisingly enough – Used to introduce something that goes against expectations.
  • Believe it or not – Used to preface something that might be surprising or hard to believe.
  • Would you believe it? – Expresses surprise or disbelief about something unexpected.
  • Out of the blue – Refers to something happening unexpectedly or suddenly.

Other Ways to Say “Lo and Behold”

Most phrases can be said in several other ways. Some suggestions of ways you can say “lo and behold” differently, but still convey the same meaning, include:

  • Look and see
  • Check it out
  • Voila
  • Check out
  • Look at that
  • Behold

“Lo And Behold” Examples

Examples in Statements

A statement made in a local newspaper about the court case that just ended.

  • “I knew we could get an acquittal for our client. Last night, something told me to take another look at the evidence the prosecution was presenting and, lo and behold, I found a hole in their case.”

A statement made by a celebrity on the red carpet.

  • “Since I was a little girl, this has always been my wish and now, lo and behold, I have made it!”

Examples in Conversations

A conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: So, I felt dumb last night.
  • Friend 2: Why?
  • Friend 1: Because I lost my keys and couldn’t find them and I was running around yelling at everyone.
  • Friend 2: Well, did you find them?
  • Friend 1: Yeah, I turned around in my room and, lo and behold, they were right in front of me the entire time.

A conversation between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: So, I hear things went downhill here last night after I left to go home.
  • Co-worker 2: Yeah, Shirley lost a report and the boss was not happy.
  • Co-worker 1: Was it found?
  • Co-worker 2: After about five hours of looking. We were looking everywhere and, lo and behold, it was on Shirley’s desk the entire time!

Some interesting examples:

  • I walked into the pub and, lo and behold, there was my boss with his wife.
  • When we arrived, lo and behold, there was Dave sitting in the front row.
  • Lo and behold, we can tell a long story through the method of prolixity.
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