PhrasesHub

My stars and garters

    Definitions

      • surprise or astonishment
        Express surprise or astonishment at something that has been said or done

      • emphasis or exclamation
        To add emphasis or exclamation to a statement or exclamation

    Examples of My stars and garters

    • "Oh my stars and garters! I can't believe I just spilled this entire cup of coffee on my shirt!"

      This is an exclamatory expression meaning "Oh my goodness!" or "Good heavens!" In this example, the speaker is exclaiming in surprise and annoyance after accidentally spilling coffee on themselves. "Stars and garters" is an idiomatic phrase that was popular in the 19th century, where "stars" referred to astronomy and "garters" referred to men's clothing. The phrase was used as a replacement for swearing, and its meaning evolved over time to simply mean "an expression of surprise or astonishment."

    • "If I had a nickel for every time I heard that old saw about 'time is money,' I'd be richer than Croesus!"

      This is an example of using "my stars and garters" in the context of a figurative expression, or saying. "Old saw" refers to a well-known idiom or proverb, and the speaker is mockingly implying that hearing the expression "time is money" repeatedly is akin to a financial gain. The expression "richer than Croesus" is a hyperbole, meaning extremely wealthy. By using "my stars and garters" in this example, the speaker is reinforcing the dramatic nature of the statement, emphasizing their surprise, anger or disbelief.

    • "As I was walking down the street today, my stars and garters, I saw the most amazing thing!"

      This example shows the usage of "my stars and garters" in a descriptive sentence. The speaker is implying that what they saw was extraordinary, and used "my stars and garters" to add emphasis to the statement, making it more impactful. This example also helps to highlight the versatility of this idiom; it doesn't have to be used solely for exclamations or figures of speech, it can be used in any type of sentence.

    • "Their latest marketing campaign was a complete flop. My stars and garters, I can't believe they wasted all that money on it!"

      This example shows the use of "my stars and garters" as a more sarcastic or critical expression. The speaker is expressing their disappointment and disapproval with a poor marketing effort, while also adding a dramatic element to the statement. This use of the idiom is akin to "Oh my goodness, how could they be so foolish?" or "Good heavens, what a waste!" But rather than using more common exclamations, the speaker has chosen "my stars and garters" to emphasize the severity of their disappointment.

    • I never expected to win the lottery, my stars and garters!

      This idiom means that the speaker is extremely surprised and pleased about something happening unexpectedly. "Stars" and "garters" were two ancient superstitious beliefs; the former was associated with lucky stars, and the latter with good fortune. Together, they symbolize good luck, and in this context, the speaker is exclaiming about their sudden good luck and fortune.

    • I'm at a loss as to what to do next, my stars and garters!

      Contrastingly, this second example shows a different usage of the idiom. The speaker's bewilderment and uncertainty has caused them to feel completely perplexed, and they exclaim this idiom to signify their inability to figure out what to do next.

    • After my disastrous performance in the exam, my stars and garters!

      This third example demonstrates the use of the idiom to express disappointment and frustration. The speaker is obviously upset about their poor exam result and curses their bad luck to have failed.

    • My stars and garters, I forget where I left my keys!

      In this final example, the speaker uses the idiom to express mild annoyance and impotence due to forgetfulness. They are frustrated, but not to the extent of being shocked, rather in a light-hearted manner, symbolised here by the stars and garters, which can be seen as an exaggerated expression. Overall, the "my stars and garters" idiom has evolved to maintain its original meaning, which is to express surprise, good or bad luck, confusion and frustration. It adds an old world charm and a touch of humour to the English language. Its occasional use can be an interesting addition to one's vocabulary.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "my stars and garters" is used to express surprise or astonishment, as well as to add emphasis or exclamation to a statement or exclamation. It is often used in a lighthearted or humorous context to convey a sense of amazement or incredulity.

    Origin of "My stars and garters"

    The origin of the idiom "my stars and garters" can be traced back to the 18th century, when it was commonly used as a playful and exaggerated expression of surprise or amazement. The phrase "my stars" was used to refer to the heavens or the celestial bodies, while "garters" were a symbol of nobility and high status. When combined, the phrase "my stars and garters" became a colorful and whimsical way to express astonishment or emphasis.

    Over time, the idiom has been perpetuated in literature and popular culture, further solidifying its usage as a playful and expressive exclamation. Today, it is still used to convey surprise or emphasis, adding a touch of whimsy and charm to everyday language.