wonders (will) never cease
This was not at all expected; how shocking. Said especially of that which is pleasantly surprising, though the phrase is often used humorously, ironically, or sarcastically. The famously defiant and aggressive leader today announced that he wanted to form a close alliance and kinship with his neighbors to the south. Wonders never cease, it seems. Jake actually volunteered to do the dishes after dinner? Wonders will never cease!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
wonders will never cease
What a surprise, as in He's on time-wonders will never cease. This expression is generally used ironically. [Late 1700s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
ˌwonders will ˌnever ˈcease
(spoken, usually ironic) used to express surprise and pleasure at something: ‘The train was on time today.’ ‘Wonders will never cease (= I am surprised, because usually it is late).’Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
wonders will never cease
That is really surprising. This expression, today usually put ironically and nearly always a response to a statement about something the speaker thinks is unusual, dates from the late eighteenth century. Anthony Price used it in Other Paths to Glory (1974): “Wonders will never cease . . . Early Tudor, practically untouched.” This saying has become so familiar that Ed McBain could abbreviate it: “Would wonders never?” (Hark! 2004).
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer