Stop the lights

exp.

Heard in Kerry, Cork, Dublin and Sligo

An expression of astonishment or disbelief, equivalent to "hang on" or "wait, what did you say?".

Did u hear about the match last nyt? oh stop the lights, how could dey hav won

Posh English

Did you hear about the athletic fixture last night? Good heavens, how on earth could they possibly have triumphed?

Same phrase, other counties

• Cork
• Dublin
• Sligo

Related terms

• If yee don't stop fighting I'll kill the two of yeeAn expression used to when stop two children from bickering.
• Hang fireWait. Probably a bastardisation of "Hold your Fire" and "Hang on".
• Sockey dockey for lights outA fist fight continued until one combatant is rendered unconscious.
• Ahhh stop, now your messinAn expression of disbelief at what one has just heard.
• Aw will ya stopAn exclamation of disbelief, annoyance, or telling someone to cease talking.
• Stop the noiseAn expression of disbelief or dismissal.