What Does "Be News to Me" Mean?
The idiom "be news to me" means that the information being discussed is something the speaker did not know before, often implying surprise or unawareness.
Understanding the Idiom: "News to Me"
When someone uses the phrase "That's news to me" or "It's news to me," they are directly stating that the information being communicated is entirely new to them, and they had no prior knowledge of it. It serves as a clear indication of the speaker's unawareness regarding a particular fact, event, or situation.
This expression frequently carries a sense of surprise or even mild disbelief, especially if the information is something the speaker might have reasonably expected to know. It's a common and natural way to convey that you are learning something for the very first time, often prompting the other person to provide more details or context.
When to Use "That's News to Me"
This versatile idiom can be employed in a variety of conversational settings to express your reaction to new information:
- To express genuine surprise: When you encounter an unexpected fact, decision, or event.
- To indicate a lack of prior notification: Suggesting you should have been informed earlier, especially if it concerns you directly.
- As a prompt for further explanation: Signaling your interest in understanding the newly presented information.
- To correct an assumption: When someone assumes you are already privy to certain information, clarifying that you are not.
Examples in Context
Here are some illustrative examples of how "be news to me" is used in everyday dialogue:
- Scenario 1:
- Person A: "I hear you and Phil are going to Boston for the weekend."
- Person B: "Really? That's news to me." (Implying Person B was unaware of the plan, possibly a surprise or something Phil hasn't mentioned.)
- Scenario 2:
- Manager: "The new project proposal needs to be submitted by Friday morning."
- Employee: "Friday? That's news to me; I thought we had until next week!"
- Scenario 3:
- Friend 1: "Did you know our old high school is being renovated?"
- Friend 2: "No, that's completely news to me! What are they changing?"
Key Characteristics of "News to Me"
This idiom effectively communicates a specific reaction and state of knowledge:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Information that someone did not know before; a surprise. |
| Tone | Can range from mild surprise to genuine astonishment or even skepticism. |
| Implication | Denotes a complete lack of prior knowledge or awareness by the speaker. |
| Usage | Common in both informal and semi-formal conversations. |
Related Phrases
While "be news to me" has a unique feel, other phrases can express similar sentiments of surprise or lack of knowledge:
- "I didn't know that."
- "That's a surprise!"
- "I had no idea."
- "You're kidding!"
- "Tell me more."
Why This Phrase is Effective
"Be news to me" is effective because it quickly and unequivocally communicates that the speaker is encountering specific information for the first time. It's a concise way to express both unawareness and often an element of surprise, which typically prompts the other person to elaborate or provide further context. Understanding and correctly using such idiomatic expressions significantly enriches communication, making conversations more natural and nuanced. For further exploration of English idioms, consider consulting resources like the Cambridge Dictionary.
