What it means
Used when someone insists they're telling the truth with absolute certainty, usually in that slightly dramatic, digging-their-heels-in way. It's stronger than just saying I swear. You're basically doubling down and putting full weight behind your version, even if everyone in the room looks deeply unconvinced.
Usage examples
"I swear blind I put the keys on the kitchen side. Checked everywhere. Only thing there’s a mouldy banana and your Tesco Clubcard. So who’s nicked them?"
"She swore blind she had locked the door, but it was wide open when we got back."
"He swears blind he never got the message, though I watched him read it."
"He was swearing blind he'd never been in that pub before, then the barman goes, Oi Dave, your usual?"
"I'm swearing blind I left my charger on the sofa, so unless the house has grown legs, someone moved it."
Where it comes from
A well-established British and Irish phrase, recorded from at least the late 19th century. Here blind works as an old intensifier, the same kind of booster you get in phrases like drunk blind. So if someone swears blind, they’re not just saying it’s true. They’re planting their flag on it and refusing to budge.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
Your vote counts
Is this real street talk or have we lost the plot? Cast your vote.
We look after this expression together
If they say it where you live and something is missing here, bring it. A magikito looks at it and adds it.
- An example
- Your patch
- Your voice