Sam Hill

noun

, Slang.

hell (used especially in WH-questions as a mild oath expressing exasperation and usually preceded by in or the ):
Who in Sam Hill are you?

1830–40, Americanism; Sam (originally salmon, variant of Sal(o)mon an oath) + hill, euphemism for hell

One day a neighbor came across Willie hustling like old Sam Hill to reload a wagon of hay which had overturned.

One afternoon, I heard her giving him a Sam Hill of a blow-up and met him in the hall soon afterward.

The bear he laughed hearty 'n scratched the ground like Sam Hill, 'n flung the dirt higher'n his head.

I hope you will get your education as cheap as you can, for it cramps your mother and me like Sam Hill to put up the money.

I do everything not to disturb herand here you crazy young-ones are raising particular Sam Hill out there in that open lot!

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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