by golly

A euphemism for "by God," itself a mild oath short for "I swear by God."

1. Used to emphasize or intensify one's statement. By golly, I'm going to get to the bottom of this if it's the last thing I do! You're going to college, by golly, and that's the last I want to hear about it! We don't have much to work with, but by golly we're going to figure out a way to save our business!

2. Used to emphasize that something one is saying is true. A: "Tom, what happened to the money I gave you? I thought you were going to take it to the bank." B: "I did, by golly! I handed it to the teller myself!" It was a pain in the rear end getting that old lawnmower working again, but by golly I did it! By golly, Mary, I am going to do whatever it takes to prove my love for you!