PhrasesHub

I told you is was ill

    Definitions

      • to express frustration or annoyance
        to emphasize that the speaker had previously warned someone about a negative outcome, often in a smug or exasperated manner

      • to seek validation or confirmation
        to reiterate a previous statement or claim in order to prove it was accurate or correct

    Examples of I told you is was ill

    • The doctor advised us to keep John in bed for a few days as he's been suffering from fever and cough. I told you earlier this week that he's not doing well and you should've taken it seriously.

      This is an example of using the idiom in the beginning of a sentence, to emphasize that the statement which follows is the result of a previous warning that was not taken seriously.

    • I knew John wasn't feeling well when he cancelled our lunch date at the last minute, but you thought he was just being lazy. I told you days later that he's been bedridden and now you regret not coming over to check on him.

      This is an example of using the idiom in the middle of a sentence, to join two events together that might have seemed unrelated before.

    • When John didn't show up for our group meeting, everyone assumed he was being unreliable again. I reminded them that he's been having health issues and I told you a few weeks ago that he's not fully recovered yet.

      This is an example of using the idiom at the end of a sentence, to clarify a statement made before, and give importance to the significance of the previous warning.

    • After John was hospitalized due to a severe illness, I heard you say, "I had no idea he was that sick". I wish you had listened to me when I said he's been under the weather for weeks.

      This is a casual conversation scenario, to demonstrate the idiom's usage in a more relatable situation, and highlight the regret of not taking the warning seriously.

    • Yesterday, I visited Sarah at the hospital, even though I already told you she's been sick for the past week.

      This example showcases the use of "I told you is was ill" in the middle of the sentence, emphasizing the speaker's past communication to the listener.

    • The team's star player, who I warned you has been feeling unwell, was unable to participate in the game due to his illness.

      This example uses the idiom at the end of the sentence, highlighting the impact of the statement made earlier.

    • You should have listened to me when I said your exams would be tough this semester. I told you is was going to be challenging, and you're now scrambling to catch up on missed assignments.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in the context of a hypothetical situation, expressing regret and frustration for not taking action earlier.

    • The party's candidate, who we all know has been facing health problems, is still in the running, although some experts are predicting that she might have to drop out due to her condition.

      This example uses the idiom in a political context, highlighting the persistent nature of the speaker's earlier warning.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "I told you I was ill" is used to express frustration or annoyance when the speaker's previous warnings or statements have been proven to be true. It can also be used to seek validation or confirmation by reiterating a previous statement.

    Origin of "I told you is was ill"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the British comedian Spike Milligan. He requested this phrase to be inscribed on his tombstone as a final joke. However, it is likely that the phrase was already in use in common speech before this, as it captures a universal feeling of frustration and vindication. The phrase has since become well-known and is often used in a light-hearted or playful manner to emphasize one's foresight or to seek validation for previously expressed concerns. Its humorous and relatable nature has contributed to its widespread use in the English language.