English Reference
Idiom idiom

I'll be damned


An expression of surprise.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

“Well, I'll be damned, you actually finished it.”

CONTEXTUAL

“I'll be damned, I found my lost keys in the pocket of my old coat.”

COMPLEX

“When the long-lost painting appeared at the local auction, the curator whispered, I'll be damned, it is the original.”


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    be taken ill

    To become ill.

  2. 02

    bird of ill omen

    A person who brings bad news.

  3. 03

    damned if one does and damned if one doesn't

    Of a situation where either choice results in a negative outcome.

  4. 04

    do ill

    To harm, to injure.

  5. 05

    do one's damnedest

    To do one's utmost; to make every effort or to try every possible approach or way.

  6. 06

    house of ill fame

    A brothel

  7. 07

    I'll be

    Expressing surprise.

  8. 08

    I'll be a monkey's uncle

    Often preceded by well: expressing complete surprise or disbelief.

Last updated August 10, 2026