I'll be damned Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈaɪɫ/ /ˈbi/, /bi/ /ˈdæmd

EYE-l bee DAMD

UK

aɪl/ /bˈiː/ /dˈæmd

EYE-l bee DAMD

Definition

An informal expression used to show surprise, disbelief, or amazement about something unexpected. Sometimes used when you see proof of something you doubted.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal and mildly old-fashioned; often expresses pleasant or shocked surprise. Sometimes replaced with 'Well, I'll be damned.' Can sound humorous, slightly shocked, or rarely annoyed. Avoid in formal writing or polite company due to the word 'damned.'

• Spanish: no me lo puedo creer - caramba - no me digas
• Portuguese (BR): não é que pode? - não acredito - puxa vida
• Portuguese (PT): não é que pode? - não acredito - puxa vida
• Chinese (Simplified): 真没想到 - 居然这样 - 真是奇了
• Chinese (Traditional): 真沒想到 - 居然這樣 - 真是奇了
• Hindi: मुझे यकीन नहीं हो रहा - अरे वाह - सच में
• Arabic: يا للعجب - لم أكن أتوقع ذلك - يا إلهي
• Bengali: বাপ রে বাপ - আমার তো চোখ কপালে উঠল
• Russian: Вот это да - Ну надо же
• Japanese: まさか - 驚いたな - なんてこった
• Vietnamese: Ôi trời ơi - Thật không thể tin được
• Korean: 이럴 수가 - 세상에
• Turkish: Vay canına - İnanılır gibi değil
• Urdu: کمال ہے - حیرت ہے
• Indonesian: Astaga - Wah, tidak menyangka

Example Sentences

I'll be damned! You finished the puzzle already.

basic

If that's true, I'll be damned.

basic

I'll be damned if I know the answer to that.

basic

Well, I'll be damned—she actually showed up on time.

natural

I'll be damned—you were right all along.

natural

He fixed the car himself? I'll be damned.

natural