PhrasesHub

Oh, my stars and garters

    Definitions

      • surprise or astonishment
        Express surprise or astonishment at something unexpected or remarkable

      • emphasis
        Emphasize a point or statement, similar to "goodness gracious" or "oh my goodness"

    Examples of Oh, my stars and garters

    • If Frances dished out one more serving of mashed potatoes at dinner, I swear I thought I'd see Oh, my stars and garters! floating above her head.

      This is a humorous way to express extreme surprise or disbelief. "Stars and garters" is a dated and quaint expression that refers to the stars on a soldier's uniform and the garters (elastic waistbands) on his stockings. This phrase is archaic and is rarely heard today, but it continues from the past in idioms such as this. The expression emphasizes the speaker's surprise or shock at Frances' persistence in serving more potatoes.

    • If I win the lottery, oh, my stars and garters! I'll never have to work again.

      This idiom is used sarcastically to express extreme surprise or excitement. The phrase "stars and garters" comes from an old fashioned gentleman's formal attire consisting of a white silk shirt with detachable starched frills (stars) and knee-high garters (garters) to hold up his stockings. Therefore, the expression "Oh, my stars and garters" is essentially an overstatement. In this example, the speaker uses this idiom to express their shock and disbelief at the possibility of winning the lottery and becoming wealthy. They will no longer need to work, therefore, they exaggerate their reaction by using this expression.

    • Oh, my stars and garters! Do you know who I just bumped into?

      Similar to the previous example, this idiom is used to express extreme surprise or excitement at an unexpected encounter. In this case, the speaker is surprised to see someone they haven't seen in a long time, and uses this phrase to emphasize their surprise.

    • Oh, my stars and garters! I left my keys in the car!

      This idiom is used to express frustration at a minor inconvenience. Here, the speaker is surprised and frustrated that they have forgotten their keys in the car, and uses this expression to emphasize the situation's surprising and frustrating nature.

    • Oh, my stars and garters! I should have seen that coming!

      This idiom is used in retrospect to express regret or disappointment for not anticipating an event. In this case, the speaker is surprised and disappointed that they didn't predict what happened, and uses this phrase to emphasize their disappointment in their own lack of foresight.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Oh, my stars and garters" is used to express surprise or astonishment at something unexpected or remarkable. It can also be used to emphasize a point or statement, similar to "goodness gracious" or "oh my goodness."

    Origin of "Oh, my stars and garters"

    The origin of the idiom "Oh, my stars and garters" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the 18th or 19th century. "Stars" and "garters" were both symbols of high status and prestige during this time period, and the expression may have been a way of expressing awe or admiration. It is also possible that the phrase originated as a euphemism for "oh my God," as using the word "God" in such a manner was considered blasphemous.

    One theory suggests that the phrase may have been popularized by the character Sir Joseph Porter in Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera "H.M.S. Pinafore," which was first performed in 1878. The character frequently uses the phrase "Oh, my eyes and limbs" as an exclamation, which is similar to "Oh, my stars and garters."

    Overall, the exact origin of the idiom "Oh, my stars and garters" remains uncertain, but it has been used for centuries to express surprise and astonishment.