strange to say

Idioms  

1. Also, strangely enough. Surprisingly, curiously, unaccountably, as in Strange to say, all the boys in his class are six feet tall or taller, or I've never been to the circus, strangely enough. This idiom was first recorded in 1697 as strange to relate.

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Example Sentences

It may sound strange to say it, but a woman helming a “Frankenstein” riff is bold by its very nature.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

Then there was the light pollution, worsening crime, and, strange to say, a lot of black bears roaming the city streets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

It feels strange to say that Nolan is due to win as a director.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2023

I suppose it would seem a little strange to say I really “enjoyed” your recent article on dementia.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2023

It still feels so strange to say that the ground where my sore feet step on is not India anymore, but a place called Pakistan.

From "The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani