be news to

be news to (one)

To be something that one was not aware of or did not know. A: "Yeah, Jeff and Anthony have been going out for a few months now." B: "Well, that's news to me. I thought they were just friends." You aren't allowed to dump your grass clippings here? Well, that's news to me!
See also: news
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

be news to

be information not previously known to (someone), and perhaps regarded as implausible. informal
2004 NZine – New Zealand Ezine This was the first we had heard about it, and indeed it was news to the local community and the Hurunui District Council.
See also: news
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • (I) hope not
  • hope not
  • not for a second
  • not for a minute
  • not for a moment
  • aint
  • ain't
  • not (one's) long suit
  • not for a instant
  • not for a/one minute/moment/second/instant