SAM

in (the) Sam Hill?

Used as an intensifier after a question word (who, what, where, when, why, and how) to express extreme confusion, surprise, or aggravation. Often erroneously written or pronounced as "in Sam Hell." Primarily heard in US. And just how in Sam Hill am I supposed to have three reports done by 9 AM tomorrow? Where in the Sam Hill did you find that rusty old car? Who in Sam Hill is making all that noise?
See also: SAM

Sam and Dave

1. slang Two or more police officers; the police collectively. Primarily heard in US. For days after the robbery, I was expecting Sam and Dave to come bust down our door and take us away in handcuffs.
2. slang A grave. The term originated in rhyming slang. Primarily heard in UK. They'll be digging him a Sam and Dave if he doesn't keep his nose out of the mob's business.
See also: and, SAM

Sam Hill

euphemism Hell. Usually used for emphasis, almost exclusively in the phrase "what in (the) Sam Hill." What in Sam Hill are you kids doing in here? You're going to wake the whole neighborhood! What in the Sam Hill made you decide to fight one of your classmates?
See also: hill, SAM

soapy Sam

One who is slick and persuasive, especially in speech. The phrase originally referred to Samuel Wilberforce, a 19th-century Bishop of Oxford, who was known for such qualities. This guy is a real soapy Sam—the townspeople believe his every word, even though he has never delivered on a single promise.
See also: SAM

Uncle Sam

A personification of the United States or its government, typically portrayed as a man with a white beard. It seems like Uncle Sam is always taking more and more taxes out of our paychecks.
See also: SAM, uncle

What in (the) Sam Hill?

An exclamation used to express surprise, shock, anger, disgust, etc. ("Sam Hill" is a minced oath for "hell," used for emphasis.) What in the Sam Hill do you think you're doing? You can't come in here! Just what in Sam Hill is going on here? You spent all that money at a casino? What the Sam Hill, Jake?
See also: SAM, what

where (in) (the) Sam Hill

An emphatic way of forming any statement or question beginning with "where," typically when expressing frustration, anger, irritation, incredulousness, etc. ("Sam Hill" is a colloquial minced oath for "hell.") Just where in Sam Hill do you think you're going? You've got school in the morning, young lady! We're not going anywhere until I figure out where in the Sam Hill I left my wallet. I don't know where the Sam Hill you got so much money, but there's no way you earned all that just from flipping burgers on the weekends.
See also: hill, SAM

who (in) (the) Sam Hill

An emphatic way of forming any statement or question beginning with "who," typically when expressing frustration, anger, irritation, incredulousness, etc. ("Sam Hill" is a colloquial minced oath for "hell.") Who in the Sam Hill ate my lunch? That's the third time this month! A: "Who the Sam Hill was that guy?" B: "I dunno, just some weirdo, I guess." The game show gives you a lifetime supply of hot sauce if you win? Who in Sam Hill would want that as their prize?
See also: hill, SAM, who
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

What in (the) Sam Hill?

Inf. What has happened?; What? (An elaboration of what. Sam Hill is a euphemism for hell. Often with the force of an exclamation. See examples for variations.) What in Sam Hill is going on around here? What in the Sam Hill do you think you are doing?
See also: SAM, what
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

Uncle ˈSam

(informal) a way of referring to the United States of America or the US government: He owed $20 000 in tax to Uncle Sam.The name probably comes from expanding the initials US.
See also: SAM, uncle
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

Sam

n. federal agents; federal narcotics agents. (Also a term of address. From Uncle (Sam).) Sam is working hard to put an end to all this drug trouble.

Sam and Dave

n. the police; police officers. (Black.) And there at the door were my old buddies Sam and Dave with a warrant.
See also: and, SAM

Uncle (Sam)

and Uncle Sugar
1. n. the personification of the U.S. Uncle Sugar wants a little more of your money this year.
2. n. a federal agent; federal agents. Uncle has some pretty strong ideas about who’s in charge of this investigation.
See also: SAM, uncle

What in (the) Sam Hill?

interrog. What has happened?; What? (An elaboration of what. Sam Hill is hell. Often with the force of an exclamation. See examples for variations.) What in the Sam Hill do you think you are doing?
See also: SAM, what

What in Sam Hill?

verb
See What in the Sam Hill?
See also: SAM, what

Where in (the) Sam Hill?

interrog. Where? (An intensive form of where. Sam Hill is hell.) Where in Sam Hill did I put my hat?
See also: SAM

Where in Sam Hill?

verb
See Where in the Sam Hill?
See also: SAM
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • in (the) Sam Hill?
  • in thunderation?
  • in creation
  • in creation?
  • (in) the devil
  • the devil
  • What in the devil?
  • What the devil?
  • the blazes
  • in (the) blazes?
References in periodicals archive
A source told The Sun Online: "Chloe called the police after going to a house she owns with Sam where they had a row about her turning up.
Chloe Ferry calls the police on Sam Gowland after furious row; Chloe went to collect her belongings from the home they shared when a row kicked off between them
Year-six pupil Mitchell Davies made a video asking fellow Geordie Sam if he'd come along - shy bairns get nowt, after all.
Sam hits right note with kids
Sam's parents both played handball and represented England and Great Britain in their playing days and, impressively, Sam will represent Great Britain in the European Open Championships in Sweden this July where 24 teams will compete for honours.
Teen Dowling gets GB U18s call for Euros; HANDBALL
We decided to take a look at Sam's life, that he documents on his Instagram profile, to see just how different his and Chesney's lives are.
Inside the life of Coronation Street star Sam Aston and his wife Briony - a world away from Chesney's; Sam recently married Briony surrounded by Corrie stars
In partnership with Cal-Comp Technology Philippines, SAM is a one-of-a-kind robot concierge built to cater to a complete malling experience.
Meet SAM: Here's everything you need to know about SM's first robot
Everybody knows who Fireman Sam is, so to be part of Pontypandy is just amazing.
My Fireman Slam
In the previous episode of "GH," Danny (TK Weaver) asked Jason if he loved Sam, and he revealed he loved her very much.
Will Alexis Ruin Jason, Sam's Reunion On 'General Hospital'?
"Sam's Club's comps improved each quarter during the year last year."
Growth quickens at Sam's Club
Not only that, but user-generated news content is now part of the production fabric, and SAM VIBE allows input from any device to reach multiple destinations first.
SAM launches VIBE
In Asia-Pacific, SAM has appointed Village Island as a reseller partner in Japan for its full range of IQ Modular, routing and multiviewer solutions.
SAM pursues global growth
Clearly Sam, 61, has always been a head and shoulders above the rest.
LITTLE BIG SAM; Picture shows where it all began for the new England manager
But on the way to the hospital the pregnant businesswoman realises BIRTH Megan simple Sam has a major crush on her and asks him to pull over for a chat.
A babe in the woods? Mon-Fri ITV
A great start to a new series as Sam begins his quest.
French, Vivian: Dragons Can't Swim (Knight in Training)
Michael Sam, the NFL's first openly gay player, will temporarily step away from professional football.
NFL's first openly gay player puts career on hold
SPRINGFIELD - Army veteran Jason Dunlap has been tirelessly searching for his companion dog, Sam, since he went missing on June 26.
Best friend astray