English idiom · informal · spoken · BrE & AmE

big surprise: meaning and examples

big surprise means used ironically when something was completely expected.

Memory hook: Build a clear mental picture from “big surprise” and connect it to this meaning: used ironically when something was completely expected.

How to use “big surprise”

Common mistake: Treat “big surprise” as a fixed expression. Notice its exact word order in the examples.

Learn it in context

This expression belongs to Lesson 24, where you can compare it with other idioms about irony and practise it interactively.

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