thanks be

English

Etymology

Ellipsis of thanks be to God, a present subjunctive clause inherited intact from a time when English was freely productive of them.

Phrase

thanks be

  1. Expressing relief or gratitude for some happening or situation.
    Synonym: thank God
    Near-synonyms: thank goodness; praise be, praise be to God, praise the Lord
    • 1972, Rumer Godden, The Diddakoi:
      'Not a woman near the place,' said the village.
      'Thanks be,' said Peters.

Anagrams

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