behold



a joy to behold

A thing, event, or experience that creates a profound sense of joy or elation in the spectator. The spring flowers in this part of the country are truly a joy to behold. The play was a joy to behold, full of beauty, warmth, and wit.
See also: behold, joy

a sight to behold

An especially impressive, noteworthy, or remarkable person, event, or thing; something or someone who is very much worth seeing. If you never go anywhere else in your life, make sure you see the Grand Canyon: it's a sight to behold. The new jazz singer is really a sight to behold. She's probably the best we've ever had at the club.
See also: behold, sight

Lo and behold!

Cliché Look here!; Thus! (An expression of surprise.) Lo and behold! There is Fred! He beat us here by taking a shortcut.
See also: and, lo

marvel to behold

someone or something quite exciting or wonderful to see. Our new high-definition television is a marvel to behold. Mary's lovely new baby is a marvel to behold.
See also: behold, marvel

lo and behold

look or what a surprise Carine tried her luck at the lottery and, lo and behold, won $1,500 last month.
Usage notes: used as an exclamation: Lo and behold! You did come after all!
See also: and, behold, lo

lo and behold

  (humorous)
something that you say when you tell someone about something surprising that happened I went into a bar just next to our hotel and, lo and behold, who should I see sitting there but Jim Gibson.
See also: and, behold, lo

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
JuhÁN-Sami
Dorofey-Russian
Kazuekah-zoo-eJapanese
Fabianofah-BYAH-no (Italian)Italian, Portuguese
Golshan-Persian
Quintina-Ancient Roman