← Back to search

Meaning of the hell you say | Babel Free

Phrase CEFR C2

Definitions

I vehemently disagree with you; I will not obey you.
idiomatic
What you are saying is unbelievable; it cannot be true.
idiomatic
Indicates lack of surprise.
idiomatic, ironic

Examples

“"The hell you say!" rejoined McBane. "I'll leave this car when I get good and ready, and that won't be till I've finished this cigar. See?"”

“"The hell you say!" ejaculated the man, in amazement. "This Glidden is a German agent—perhaps a spy. He's no labor leader."”

“"The hell you say," Mr. Brzezinski replied indignantly, according to Mr. Allen, "Henry was working for our side."”

“"The hell you say! Mister, I was appointed to the position by the city council! . . . I am a public servant, and you have no authority over me."”

“Head office brought in all those new policies without consulting anyone and now people are upset and nothing is working right? The hell you say!”

CEFR level

C2

Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.

See also

the highest branch is not the safest roost the house always wins the ink was not even dry the Internet never forgets the jig is up the job is oxo