PhrasesHub

Stone the crows

    Definitions

      • surprise or shock
        Express surprise or disbelief at something that has happened or been said

      • frustration or annoyance
        Express frustration or annoyance at a situation or person

    Examples of Stone the crows

    • This new marketing campaign is going to stone the crows!

      This is an exclamatory sentence using the idiom "stone the crows" to express surprise or disbelief at the effectiveness of the new marketing campaign. The expression "stone the crows" comes from the Australian and New Zealand cultures, where it was originally used as a euphemism for swearing. However, in this context, it's simply a vivid hyperbole meaning "astound" or "impress" in a more colloquial and creative manner.

    • I can't believe how quickly he was able to stone the crows!

      Similar to the previous example, this sentence uses the idiom "stone the crows" to express amazement at the speed of someone's accomplishments. The informal nature of this expression makes it a great way to add excitement and energy to a sentence, as it encourages the reader or listener to be equally enthusiastic about the topic at hand.

    • The new chef is going to stone the crows with her culinary creations!

      This sentence is a great demonstration of how versatile this idiom can be, as it's being used in a more traditional sense - to describe food that is exceptional or extraordinary in flavor or presentation. By using this phrase in this context, it adds an extra layer of colorful description to the sentence, making it more memorable and engaging to the reader.

    • She's been working on this project for hours, and it hasn't even begun to stone the crows yet!

      In this sentence, the idiom "stone the crows" is being used metaphorically to describe something that's yet to impress or captivate an audience. By describing the work as not having "stoned the crows" yet, it suggests that the final product will ultimately be impressive or engaging, and that there's still more work to be done before it reaches that level.

    • Stone the crows, I can't believe she just said that to the boss!

      This idiom is used to express surprise or disbelief, as if something so unexpected has happened that you might as well stone a group of crows (which is an impossible and exaggerated feat). In this example, the speaker is shocked that the person they're referring to just made a surprising statement to their boss.

    • Stone the crows, I've been waiting in line for two hours for this rollercoaster!

      This idiom is used to express extreme frustration, as if you're so angry that you want to stone a group of crows (which is an impossible and exaggerated feat). In this example, the speaker is extremely annoyed that they've been waiting in line for such a long time for a rollercoaster ride.

    • Stone the crows, we're actually ahead in the game!

      This idiom is used to express surprise or disbelief in a positive way, as if something so unexpected has happened that you might as well stone a group of crows (which is an impossible and exaggerated feat). In this example, the speaker is surprised and delighted to find that their team is actually winning the game.

    • Stone the crows, I've got a free trip to Hawaii!

      This idiom is used to express extreme joy or excitement, as if you're so happy that you want to stone a group of crows (which is an impossible and exaggerated feat). In this example, the speaker is extremely excited to have won a free trip to Hawaii.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "stone the crows" is used to convey surprise or shock, as well as frustration or annoyance. It is often used in informal conversation to express strong emotions in a colorful and dramatic way. When someone says "stone the crows," they are typically reacting to something unexpected or irritating.

    This idiom is not to be taken literally, as it does not involve actual crows or stones. Instead, it is a figurative expression that adds emphasis to the speaker's feelings. It can be used in a variety of situations to convey strong emotions, but it is important to consider the context and tone in which it is used.

    Origin of "Stone the crows"

    The origin of the idiom "stone the crows" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in Australia or the UK. The exact source of the phrase is unclear, but it has been used in both countries for many years. Some believe that it may have originated from the practice of farmers throwing stones at crows to scare them away from their crops. Others suggest that it may have derived from a traditional British exclamation of surprise or dismay.

    Regardless of its origins, "stone the crows" has become a well-known and colorful expression in the English language. It is often used in informal speech to add emphasis to a strong reaction, and its origins may be rooted in agricultural or traditional British culture.