ENGLISH
REFERENCE

oh dear

idiom
Meaning

A phrase you say when something a little bad or surprising happens. It shows mild disappointment, sympathy, or worry.


Examples
SIMPLE

Oh dear, I dropped my coffee on the floor.

CONTEXTUAL

Oh dear, it looks like the train is delayed by another hour.

COMPLEX

Oh dear, the sudden storm has ruined all of our plans for the outdoor wedding ceremony.

Last updated June 7, 2026