holy Moses
Expression of astonishment
Holy Moses is a mild oath expressing surprise, amazement, or alarm: Holy Moses, did you see that catch?
The phrase substitutes Moses for more sacred names, making it acceptable where stronger exclamations might offend.
It belongs to a family of similar expressions—holy cow, holy smoke, holy mackerel—all serving as genteel alternatives to holy Christ or holy God.
- wowCry of amazement
- exclamationForceful sudden utterance
- zoundsDated oath of astonishment
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- burning bushDeciduous shrub, vivid fall color
blimey · egad · shout · interjection · hallowed · Mount Sinai · Red Sea · surprise · Ten Commandments · stone tablets · jeepers · heavens above · for crying out loud · jumping Jehoshaphat · well I never · oh my gosh · oh my goodness · oh my word