- Used to introduce a surprising or unexpected event or discovery, often with a slightly archaic, humorous, or dramatic flair.
- Similar to Guess what happened next! but more formal-sounding and old-fashioned.
Explanation
Origin
- Lo is an archaic interjection meaning look! or see! (related to look).
- Behold also means to see or observe, often something remarkable.
- The combination emphasizes surprise and calls attention to what follows. Dates back to Middle English.
- Often used in storytelling.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- And bam!... (Used to introduce a sudden, surprising event)
- Next thing I know... (Introduces an unexpected turn)
- Check this out... (Introduces something interesting/surprising)
- Get this...
Milder/Standard:
- To my surprise...
- Unexpectedly...
Situational Appropriateness
- Generally informal due to its slightly archaic and often humorous feel.
- Can be used in storytelling, anecdotes, and casual conversation.
- Avoid in very formal or serious contexts where it might sound flippant or out of place.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The archaic words Lo and Behold might be unfamiliar to some learners, but the context usually makes the meaning (surprise) clear.
Examples
- I searched everywhere for my keys, and lo and behold, they were in my pocket the whole time!
- We thought the project was doomed, but lo and behold, the client loved our prototype.
- He opened the ancient chest, and lo and behold, inside was a map to hidden treasure. (More dramatic/storytelling use)
Dialogue
Person A: I spent all morning looking for that report I printed yesterday. I checked my desk, the printer, everywhere!
Person B: And? Did you find it?
Person A: Well, I finally asked Sarah if she'd seen it, and lo and behold, she'd accidentally picked it up with her own papers!
Person B: Ha! Typical!
Social Media Examples
- Blog Post: I tried the 'viral' cleaning hack, expecting nothing. But lo and behold, it actually worked! My shower has never been cleaner. ✨ #CleaningHacks #LifeHack
- Facebook Post: Lost my wallet on vacation. Panicked! Retraced my steps back to the cafe from hours earlier and, lo and behold, someone had handed it in! Faith in humanity restored.
Response Patterns
- Listeners anticipate the surprising revelation.
- They might show visible curiosity or amusement.
- After the revelation, common responses are Wow!, No way!, laughter, or requests for more details.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- After the surprise is revealed, listeners often ask clarifying questions or express their reaction to the unexpected event.
- The speaker usually continues the story, explaining the consequence or context of the surprising event.
Conversation Starter
- Can be used to start telling a story about something surprising. You won't believe what happened yesterday. I was walking home, and lo and behold...
Intonation
- Often spoken with a slightly theatrical or exaggerated tone to match the surprising content.
- Stress often falls on Lo and hold. LO and beHOLD...
- A pause usually follows before revealing the surprise.
Generation Differences
- More common among older generations, but widely understood. Younger speakers might use it ironically or humorously.
Regional Variations
- Understood in all major English-speaking regions, perhaps slightly more common in British English traditionally, but prevalent in North America too.