well, well, well

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well, well, well

1. Indicating pondering or consideration, often with sarcasm or mock surprise.

   Well, well, well. What have we here?

   Well, well, well. Look who's back. And they said we'd never see him again.

   • 2003, J. K. Rowling, chapter 32, in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix:

     “Well, well, well!” said Umbridge, looking triumphant. “Little Miss Question-All is going to give us some answers! Come on then, girl, come on!”

This form may be a little stronger, or more sarcastic, than well, well. The term is sometimes used as a dog whistle to indicate a member of a given group adhering to stereotypes of said group.

• well, well

• hmm