blessed event

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

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Noun

blessed event (plural blessed events)

1. (idiomatic, euphemistic) The birth of a baby.
   • 1940 June 24, “Good Omen”, in Time:

     Alexander Loudon, Netherlands Minister to the U.S., when asked if the blessed event was in prospect, hedged: "A royal child born on the soil of freedom-loving America would be both a blessing and a good omen."

   • 2007 November 5, Laura Capitano, “I hate . . . TV birth plotlines”, in Florida Times-Union, retrieved 12 May 2009:

     Soon we come to the mother-to-be-any-minute-now in the delivery room, and there is some question about whether the father can/will/wants to get to the hospital in time for the blessed event.

2. (idiomatic, sometimes humorous or ironical) An occurrence or occasion which is particularly noteworthy and enjoyable.
   • 1850, Charles Dickens, chapter 33, in David Copperfield:

     Mr. Spenlow told me this day week was Dora's birthday, and he would be glad if I would come down and join a little picnic on the occasion. . . . I think I committed every possible absurdity in the way of preparation for this blessed event.

   • 2004 September 26, Gary Rivlin, “Quiet, Please! Suddenly, the S.E.C. Is Listening”, in New York Times, retrieved 12 May 2009:

     There was a time not so long ago when a company poised to go public would invite a reporter inside to memorialize the moments leading up to the blessed event.

Usage notes

• Usually preceded by the.