strange to tell
strange to tell (idiom)
/streɪndʒ tə tɛl/
Meaning
- Surprisingly, as odd as it may sound; used to introduce an unexpected or unbelievable fact.
- Curiously enough; marks something that is contrary to normal expectations.
- Oddly, the following may seem unlikely or hard to believe.
- Remarkably, what follows may not seem true but is.
- Intriguingly, indicating that the next statement is puzzling or difficult to explain.
- Interestingly, this fact may defy logic or typical reasoning.
Example Sentences
- Strange to tell, the cat found its way home from over 50 miles away.
- He failed the easiest part of the exam, strange to tell.
- Strange to tell, she recognized the stranger’s voice instantly.
- Strange to tell, it rained only on his house and nowhere else in the village.
- The painting was stolen but returned untouched, strange to tell.
- Strange to tell, he became friends with the man who once betrayed him.
Origin and History
Literary Roots and Early Usage
The phrase “strange to tell” is an idiomatic expression used to preface a surprising or hard-to-believe statement. Its earliest known usage can be traced back to the early 19th century. While the exact origin is not definitively documented, the structure and usage suggest a literary origin, possibly emerging in British literature during that period.
Possible Literary Influences
Although no specific literary work is credited with coining the phrase, the construction “strange to tell” aligns with the stylistic tendencies of 19th-century English literature, where authors often employed such expressions to add dramatic flair or to underscore the incredibility of a statement. This period saw a proliferation of idiomatic expressions that have since become commonplace in the English language.
Country of Origin
Given the linguistic style and the period during which the phrase emerged, it is reasonable to infer that “strange to tell” originated in the United Kingdom. The idiom reflects the British penchant for expressive and often understated ways of conveying surprise or disbelief.
Earliest Printed Record
The phrase’s usage in early 19th-century British literature suggests that it was part of the vernacular during that time. Its presence in various literary works of the era indicates that it was a recognized expression, employed to convey astonishment or to preface an unexpected revelation.
In summary, “strange to tell” is an idiomatic expression that likely originated in early 19th-century British literature. Its usage reflects the linguistic style of the period, characterized by expressive and nuanced ways of conveying surprise or incredulity. While the exact origin remains uncertain, the phrase has endured as a means of introducing statements that are remarkable or hard to believe.
Synonyms
- oddly enough
- as it happens
- curiously
- surprisingly
About the Author
Elena Jones holds a PhD in Education from Harvard University. She has extensive experience teaching at both the K–12 and university levels, with a particular focus on English as a Second Language. Elena has dedicated her career to advancing educational practices, and she has contributed to numerous educational journals.
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