Shock horror
phrase
A reaction of shock or horror.
He opened the envelope and, shock horror, he had won the lottery.
Often appears as...
- shock horror revelation
- shock horror reaction
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
Used ironically to express no surprise at all.
The politician lied, shock horror.
Often appears as...
- shock horror surprise
- shock horror news
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
A reaction of shock or horror.
He opened the envelope and, shock horror, he had won the lottery.
Often appears as...
- shock horror revelation
- shock horror reaction
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
Used ironically to express no surprise at all.
The politician lied, shock horror.
Often appears as...
- shock horror surprise
- shock horror news
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Meaning
Used when something is genuinely surprising or appalling.
I saw the haunted house and, shock horror, it really had a ghost!
Pro Tip 2/3Dramatic Effect
Often used to emphasize the impact of a revelation or incident.
She walked in and, shock horror, the whole room was decorated for her birthday.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Intensity
Can communicate a strong emotional response, usually negative.
He read the note and, shock horror, his face went pale.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Meaning
Used when something is genuinely surprising or appalling.
I saw the haunted house and, shock horror, it really had a ghost!
Pro Tip 2/3Dramatic Effect
Often used to emphasize the impact of a revelation or incident.
She walked in and, shock horror, the whole room was decorated for her birthday.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Intensity
Can communicate a strong emotional response, usually negative.
He read the note and, shock horror, his face went pale.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Meaning
Used when something is genuinely surprising or appalling.
I saw the haunted house and, shock horror, it really had a ghost!
Pro Tip 2/3Dramatic Effect
Often used to emphasize the impact of a revelation or incident.
She walked in and, shock horror, the whole room was decorated for her birthday.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Intensity
Can communicate a strong emotional response, usually negative.
He read the note and, shock horror, his face went pale.
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