thanks be

English

Etymology

Ellipsis of thanks be to God, a present subjunctive clause inherited intact from a time when English was freely productive of them.

Phrase

thanks be

1. Expressing relief or gratitude for some happening or situation.

   Synonym: thank God

   Near-synonyms: thank goodness; praise be, praise be to God, praise the Lord

   • 1972, Rumer Godden, The Diddakoi:

     'Not a woman near the place,' said the village.
     'Thanks be,' said Peters.

Anagrams

• Hest Bank, bethanks