stop the lights

stop the lights

An expression of disbelief or incredulity. (Sometimes used ironically or disingenuously.) The phrase comes from the catchphrase from the Irish game show Quicksilver. Primarily heard in Ireland. A: "My aunt Edna won the lotto!" B: "Stop the lights, that's incredible news!" A: "My uncle Pat once met President Reagan, you know." B: "Ah here, stop the lights. Your uncle Pat's never even been to America!" Stop the lights, Jimmy's buying a round for everyone! I never thought I'd see the day!
See also: lights, stop
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • Are you having a laugh?
  • What was that?
  • What's that?
  • get out!
  • don't give me that
  • don't give me that!
  • live long and prosper
  • I say
  • get out of here
  • Get out of here!
References in periodicals archive
Stop the lights: An expression of shock/exasperation Example: "Did you see that last minute Mayo point?
Slanging match is bleedin' brilliant
Stop The Lights is another cracker from a band who are now in the national treasure status for sure.
But from Thursday they will be back together, blasting out tunes from Stop The Lights and other favourites at Whelans in Dublin on Thursday, Dolans in Limerick on Friday and Monroes in Galway on Saturday.
Stop the Lights is about love, life and death- all autobiographical accounts by myself & the brother.
A QUICK ONE WITH THE WALLS; ULTIMATE IRELAND