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Low and behold? Lo and behold?

Writing for Business

Published: 10 Feb 2020
Which is correct?
Rim cut the Blackberry Playbook tablet price by 60%, upgraded the OS — and ____________, it outsold Apple’s iPad 2.
a. lo
b. low

Answer: a

I was surprised to see low and behold in otherwise competent writing today and had a little look around. There seem to be a fair number of people who are confused about this phrase.

Lo is a middle English word meaning look. People were loing all through the Bible. Lo and behold means look and see. A little redundant, but that’s not our issue here.

Low, as a verb, is a synonym for moo. Ever heard cows vocalizing as they watch you pass by? They’re lowing and beholding.

Lo and behold was The Mavens’ Word of the Day.

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