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Quiz 🎲|Every day, one new expression.|

Today's Expressions

Learn useful English expressions easily and fun.

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What surprised you most?

What was the most unexpected thing you experienced? · What made you say 'wow' or 'huh'?

What's the situation?

This is a fantastic question to ask when someone returns from their travels! ✈️ It helps you dive straight into the most memorable and unexpected aspects of their adventure, going beyond a simple "How was your trip?" It's perfect for hearing unique stories and cultural insights. ✨

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It exceeded my expectations!

It was much better than I thought it would be · It turned out to be better than expected

What's the situation?

Ever bought something hoping it would be 'good enough' and then it turned out to be absolutely fantastic? ✨ That's when you proudly exclaim, 'It exceeded my expectations!' It's perfect for when a product, service, or even an experience, delivers way more than you anticipated, leaving you pleasantly surprised and genuinely impressed. Think of a simple gadget that performs like a high-end device, or a budget-friendly find that feels luxurious! 🤩

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Oh boy!

expresses surprise, anticipation, dismay, or exasperation

What's the situation?

You just heard some unexpected news, good or bad, or realized something that requires a bit of mental preparation. It's a versatile phrase that can signal 'Here we go!' or 'Uh oh!'. 😅

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What do you know?

Fancy that! · Imagine that! · What a surprise!

What's the situation?

This expression is perfect when you encounter something a little bit surprising, or when you learn a new piece of information that makes you go, 'Well, isn't that interesting!' 🧐 It's not for huge, dramatic shocks, but for those 'Oh, I didn't expect that!' moments. ✨ It can also be used a bit ironically or rhetorically.

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What's the kicker?

the surprising part · the catch · the main point

What's the situation?

You know when someone's telling you a long story or explaining a complicated situation, and you just know there's *got* to be a twist or a crucial detail missing? 🧐 That's when you drop 'What's the kicker?'. It's perfect for when you sense there's more to the story, often a surprising or less-than-ideal aspect. 🎉

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What a concept!

That's an interesting/surprising idea! · Wow, who would've thought?

What's the situation?

Imagine someone shares an idea that's either really clever, unexpectedly simple, or perhaps a little outlandish. 🤔 You're not necessarily disagreeing, but you're definitely acknowledging its unique nature! It's perfect for a moment of mild surprise or appreciative thought. ✨

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I kid you not!

I'm telling you the truth · Believe it or not

What's the situation?

This expression is perfect when you've just shared something surprising or hard to believe, and you want to assure your listener that you're being completely serious and truthful! 🤩 It adds a bit of drama but confirms your sincerity.

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Fancy meeting you here!

What a surprise to see you! · It's unexpected to meet you here!

What's the situation?

This expression is perfect for when you unexpectedly bump into someone you know, whether it's a friend, a colleague, or an acquaintance, in a place you didn't expect them to be. It's a friendly way to show your surprise and initiate a casual conversation! 😲🤝

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Honestly

truthfully · to be frank · really? (expressing surprise/doubt)

What's the situation?

« Honestly » is a super versatile word! You can use it to emphasize that you're being truthful, or to express genuine surprise, disbelief, or even a bit of frustration. It’s perfect for adding a touch of sincerity or emotional punch to your daily conversations! ✨

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to keep someone guessing

to leave someone uncertain · to make someone wonder

What's the situation?

This expression is fantastic when you want to build a little suspense or just avoid giving away all the details right away! 🤫 It's all about making someone a bit curious or keeping them eagerly anticipating what's next, whether it's a surprise party or a secret project. ✨

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to get a jolt

to feel a sudden shock or surprise, often unpleasant · to be suddenly alarmed or startled

What's the situation?

Imagine you're scrolling through social media, and suddenly a shocking news headline pops up! 😱 Or perhaps you receive an unexpected email that makes your heart skip a beat. That sudden rush of surprise or alarm? That's when you 'get a jolt'! It's not always negative; sometimes it's just a strong, sudden reaction to something unexpected. ✨

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to be thrown off balance

to be emotionally unsettled · to be surprised or upset in a way that disrupts one's composure

What's the situation?

Imagine you're having a perfectly normal day, and then BAM! Someone drops unexpected news that completely rattles you. 😮 That's when you'd say you're 'thrown off balance.' It's like your emotional equilibrium got a sudden shake-up!

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Oh, snap!

an interjection used to express surprise, shock, disappointment, or sometimes amusement at a sudden, often negative, turn of events or a clever, cutting remark

What's the situation?

"Oh, snap!" is your go-to when something unexpected happens, especially if it's a little awkward, a bit spicy, or just plain surprising! 🤯 It's perfect for reacting to a sudden reveal, a witty comeback that lands hard, or when someone accidentally spills the beans. It’s like saying "Well, look what we have here!" but way cooler. 😎

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Is that right?

Is that true? · Really? · Is that correct?

What's the situation?

This expression is perfect when you've just heard something interesting or surprising and want to confirm it or show mild surprise. 🤔 It's like saying 'Really?' but with a touch more polite inquiry. Use it to get more details or just acknowledge new information! ✨

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to be left reeling

to feel shocked, confused, or deeply disturbed · to be profoundly affected by something, often negatively

What's the situation?

Ever heard some news that just totally floored you? 🤯 Or maybe something so unexpected happened that you didn't know how to react? 'To be left reeling' is perfect for those moments when you're deeply shocked, confused, or just can't process what just happened. It's like your brain is spinning and you need a minute (or five!) to catch up. 🌀

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to be caught flat-footed

to be completely unprepared for an unexpected situation · to be unable to react quickly due to surprise

What's the situation?

Imagine you're chilling, sipping your coffee, and then BAM! Your boss asks for a report due 'yesterday.' You'd be totally caught flat-footed! 😱 It's for those moments when life throws a curveball and you're left a bit stunned and scrambling. ☕️🤯

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Get outta town!

No way! · Seriously? · I can't believe it!

What's the situation?

This expression is perfect for those moments when your friend drops a bombshell or shares something completely unexpected and wild! 🤯 It shows genuine surprise or playful disbelief, like when someone tells you they saw a unicorn at the grocery store. ✨

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to be startled

to be suddenly surprised or frightened · to jump slightly from a sudden shock

What's the situation?

Ever been engrossed in a movie, and then a sudden noise makes you leap out of your seat? 😱 That's exactly when you'd say you 'were startled'! It's for those unexpected, quick shocks, not deep fears. 💡

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Is that so?

Really? · Oh, I see · Is that true?

What's the situation?

This is a super versatile phrase to use when someone tells you something new, interesting, or mildly surprising! 🤔 It shows you're listening and curious, without necessarily agreeing or disagreeing. It's like saying 'Tell me more!' with a hint of 'Oh, really?'

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to be a deer in headlights

to be frozen with fear or surprise · to be unable to move or think because of fear or shock

What's the situation?

Imagine you're giving a presentation, and suddenly your mind goes completely blank! 😱 Or you get caught doing something you shouldn't. This expression perfectly describes that moment of being frozen, unable to react or think, just like a deer caught in a car's headlights. It's usually about fear, surprise, or sudden pressure!

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It was better than I imagined

It exceeded my expectations · It was surprisingly good

What's the situation?

You've just returned from a fantastic trip, and someone asks you about a particular destination or the overall experience. This phrase is perfect when you want to convey that your trip was surprisingly enjoyable or more impressive than you initially thought. 😊 It adds a nice touch of enthusiasm to your travel stories! ✨

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Fancy seeing you here!

What a surprise to see you! · It's unexpected to meet you here!

What's the situation?

Imagine you're just grabbing coffee and suddenly bump into someone you know! ☕️ You weren't expecting to see them there. It's a delightful way to express surprise and pleasure at an unexpected meeting. ✨

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to be out of character

acting unlike yourself · behaving unusually for you

What's the situation?

This expression is perfect for when someone's behavior takes you by surprise because it's completely different from how they usually act. 🤔 Maybe your usually super calm friend is suddenly super agitated, or your quiet colleague is cracking all the jokes! It makes you think, "Hmm, that's not like them at all."

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Well, look at that!

expressing mild surprise or noticing something unexpected · an exclamation of discovery

What's the situation?

This is a super versatile phrase for when something unexpected or mildly surprising happens! ✨ Like when you find that lost sock, or notice a new cafe opened across the street. It’s perfect for those little 'aha!' moments!

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