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behold

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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