I'll be a monkey's uncle Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈaɪɫ/ /ˈbi/, /bi/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈməŋkiz/ /ˈəŋkəɫ

EYL bee uh MUNG-keez UN-kuhl

UK

aɪl/ /bˈiː/ /æɪ/ /ˈmʌŋkiz/ /ˈʌŋkəl

EYL bee uh MUN-keez UN-kuhl

Definition

This is an old-fashioned expression used to show great surprise or disbelief, often when something unexpected happens.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal, somewhat old-fashioned or humorous. Often said to express friendly shock. Not used in writing or formal speech. May sound playful or sarcastic, and is mainly heard in older movies, TV shows, or joking situations.

• Spanish: ¡No me lo puedo creer! - ¡Vaya sorpresa! - ¡Increíble!
• Portuguese (BR): Não acredito! - Surpresa! - Inacreditável!
• Portuguese (PT): Não acredito! - Surpresa! - Inacreditável!
• Chinese (Simplified): 真没想到！- 令人难以置信！
• Chinese (Traditional): 真沒想到！- 令人難以置信！
• Hindi: मैं तो दंग रह गया! - यह तो आश्चर्यजनक है!
• Arabic: يا للعجب! - هذا لا يصدق!
• Bengali: আমি ত অবাক - আমি তো হতভম্ব
• Russian: я в шоке - ну и ну
• Japanese: まさか - 信じられない
• Vietnamese: tôi ngạc nhiên thật đấy - tôi không thể tin được
• Korean: 정말 놀랐네 - 믿을 수가 없네
• Turkish: yok artık - inanamıyorum
• Urdu: مجھے یقین نہیں آتا - یہ تو کمال ہو گیا
• Indonesian: saya benar-benar terkejut - saya tidak percaya

Example Sentences

I'll be a monkey's uncle, she really won the contest!

basic

Wow, I'll be a monkey's uncle if that's true.

basic

I'll be a monkey's uncle—you fixed the car yourself?

basic

Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle! I never thought I'd see the day.

natural

If Jake actually arrives on time, I'll be a monkey's uncle.

natural

You got an A on that tough exam? I'll be a monkey's uncle!

natural