Lo and behold vs. Low and behold

Lo and behold

/loʊ ənd bɪˈhoʊld/

A phrase used to express surprise or wonder at a newly revealed fact or event

Examples:

Lo and behold, the solution was simpler than expected.I opened the box and, lo and behold, there was the missing key.We arrived at the venue and, lo and behold, the concert was cancelled.

Synonyms:

lookobserve

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Low and behold

/loʊ ænd bɪˈhoʊld/

An expression used to announce something surprising or unexpected.

Examples:

Lo and behold, the missing keys were under the couch.He opened the box, and lo and behold, it was full of treasure.She looked out the window, and lo and behold, it had stopped raining.

Synonyms:

lookseeobserve

Antonyms:

disregardignore

Ways to tell them apart:

• Lo and behold does not include the word low; its an archaic word lo that means look or see'.
• Lo and behold is typically used to indicate surprise or wonder, whereas low and behold is often a mistaken version.
• Remember that Lo has its origin in Middle English and Old Norse.
• To avoid confusion, think of Lo as an exclamation similar to Wow! as both can express surprise.
• Thus, the phrase should never involve the word low, as it is unrelated to the context of surprise.