How to Pronounce "the butler did it"
expression
thuh BUT-ler did it
thuh BUT-luh did it
Definition
This phrase is used as a typical ending in mystery stories to reveal the surprising culprit, often when the 'butler' (servant) is blamed. People also use it humorously to suggest an obvious or cliché solution to a problem.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈbətɫɝ/ /ˈdɪd/, /dɪd/ /ˈɪt/, /ɪt
British English
ðə, ði/ /bˈʌtlɐ/ /dˈɪd/ /ˈɪt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
thuh BUT-ler did it
UK
thuh BUT-luh did it
Listen in Context
At the end of the story, everyone was surprised when they heard, 'the butler did it.'
Whenever there is a mystery, he jokes and says, 'the butler did it.'
The class laughed when she guessed, 'the butler did it,' during the game.
Honestly, I thought it was too obvious when they revealed 'the butler did it' in the movie.