blessed event

blessed event idiom
The birth of a baby, as in When is the blessed event expected? This expression combines two senses of blessed, that is, “happy” and “sacred.” Today, however, unless used ironically, it is considered cloyingly sentimental. [1920s]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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