👀 Lo and Behold!: Rediscover the Forgotten Word
Definition
Lo and Behold! - An exclamation used to draw attention to an interesting or surprising event. Equivalent to saying, “Look and see!”
Synonyms
- Look here!
- Gaze upon this!
- Check it out!
Antonyms
- Overlook
- Ignore
- Disregard
Etymology and Historical Usage
The phrase “lo and behold!” dates back to the mid-nineteenth century. It’s rooted in the old English word lo, meaning look or see. Over time, combined with behold, it served to magnify attention being drawn to something unexpected.
Edward Bulwer-Lytton put it elegantly in his work Night and Morning:
“The fair bride was skipping down the middle . . . when lo and behold! the whiskered gentleman advanced.”
And hasn’t it seen the light in almost every discovery since?
Humorous Quotes
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“I was searching for my keys and lo and behold, they were in the fridge. The milk was found at the door, awaiting departure.”
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“Lo and behold! The cat decided to nap exactly where the dog toy laid. A peaceful conquest.”
Related Expressions
- Look what the cat dragged in! – To express surprise at someone’s arrival.
- Speak of the devil! – When someone appears just moments after being mentioned.
- To your astonishment! – Highlighting unexpected surprises (a more formal twist).
Proverbs and Literature
Proverb:
“Fortune favors the bold.” Often, what follows “lo and behold” is a result of courageous actions.
Literature:
- Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll: Imagine how many “lo and behold” moments Alice encountered!
Movies:
- National Treasure (2004): Treasure hunters. Murals. Secret passages. “Lo and behold!” in every twist.
Songs:
- “Morning Has Broken” by Cat Stevens – Though not literal, the song’s awakening spirit mirrors the surprise element of “lo and behold.”
Final Inspiration
“Words transport us to times past, bring smiles to our faces, and reconnect us to the whimsical ways of language. Embrace the journey and, lo and behold, you may find wonders and laughter in the most unexpected places.”
W. T. Wittywords
Rediscover words, and adventures shall follow.
October 2023
