by Jove

1. Also, by cracky. Used to express surprise or emphasis. For example, By Jove, I was glad to see her, or It was a great day, by cracky. These mild oaths are euphemisms, the first for “by Jesus” or “by God” (Jove is another name for Jupiter, the principal Roman god), and the folksy variant by cracky for “by Christ.” Both idioms may be dying out.

Example Sentences

“By Jove—there are sandwiches in the cave,” she exclaimed.

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“By Jove, will you look at that?” he exclaimed in wonder.

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Like “Eureka” or “By Jove, I’ve got it,” “voilà” is sometimes exclaimed by people who have figured out the answer to some sort of problem or riddle that has been vexing them to no end.

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“By Jove, I’m not so sure you aren’t right,” Shackleton replied, and the two men laughed together.

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“By Jove, she’s forgotten her dinner!” cried the unconscious youth, poking the scarlet monster into its place with his cane, and preparing to hand out the basket after the old lady.

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