# holy cow

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/holy-cow
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An exclamation of surprise or astonishment.

## Examples

- Holy cow, that car is fast.
- When she opened the door and saw the crowd, she said, "Holy cow, you guys actually came."
- Standing at the canyon's edge and beholding the vast, painted cliffs below, he could only whisper, "Holy cow," the words inadequate against the immensity of the silence.

## Origin

Minced oath for holy shit, possibly partially based on the fact that cows are sacred in some religions (e.g. Hinduism). (disputed)

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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.