# holy smoke

idiom

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

## Meaning

An expression of astonishment.

## Examples

- Holy smoke, that car is fast.
- When she opened the box and saw the gift, she said, "Holy smoke, I can't believe it."
- Holy smoke, he whispered, staring at the ancient manuscript that had been lost for centuries.

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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.