# glory be

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/glory-be
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used to express surprise.

## Examples

- Glory be, you actually finished your chores on time.
- Glory be, I never expected to see you at this party after all these years.
- Glory be, the long-lost manuscript appeared on the library shelf just as we had given up hope.

## Origin

From the first two words in the English version of this doxology.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.