I’ll be: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘I'll be’ mean?

The idiom "I'll be" is an expression commonly used to convey surprise or disbelief. It is often used in response to unexpected or extraordinary events, indicating that the speaker is taken aback or astonished by what they have just witnessed or heard.

Idiom Explorer

Deciphering "I will be"

The phrase "I'll be damned" is a variation of the idiom "I'll be" that is used to express shock, disbelief, or astonishment. It is often used when something unexpected or surprising occurs. For example, if someone wins the lottery after years of struggling financially, they might exclaim, "I'll be damned!" to express their disbelief at their newfound fortune. This variation of the idiom adds emphasis and intensifies the speaker's reaction to the situation.

The idiom "I'll be danged" is another variation of the phrase "I'll be" that is used in a similar way to express surprise or astonishment. It is often used as a lighthearted and informal alternative to "I'll be damned." For example, if someone tells a funny or outrageous story, a listener might respond with "I'll be danged!" to convey their amusement or incredulity. This variation adds a touch of playfulness and whimsy to the speaker's reaction.

The idiom "I'll be a monkey's uncle" is a colloquial phrase that originated in the early 20th century. It is used to express complete disbelief or incredulity in response to a statement or situation. The phrase is often used humorously or sarcastically to convey the speaker's skepticism or doubt. For example, if someone makes an outrageous claim, another person might respond with "I'll be a monkey's uncle!" to express their disbelief or to indicate that they find the claim highly unlikely.

The idiomatic expression "I'll be bound" is a phrase that is used to express a strong belief, conviction, or certainty about something. It is often used to indicate that the speaker is confident in their prediction or assumption. For example, if someone predicts that it will rain tomorrow based on the current weather conditions, another person might respond with "I'll be bound!" to convey their agreement and confidence in the prediction. This variation of the idiom adds a sense of certainty and conviction to the speaker's statement.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "I'll be" can be used in a sentence:

  • I'll be there at 8 o'clock.
  • I'll be finished with my work by tomorrow.
  • If you need any help, I'll be happy to assist you.

More "Uncertain" idioms

We missed the mark - nothing found.