From Your Lips to God’s Ears

Also used: From your mouth to God’s ears

Meaning of Idiom ‘From Your Lips To God’s Ears’

When we say ‘from your lips to God’s ears‘ we mean that we hope that something someone has said will come true; a hope that God will hear what has been said and make it happen; may what you just said come to pass.

While this idiom invokes God, it is usually not meant religiously but is instead a colorful way to say ‘I really hope that is true’ or ‘I really hope that happens.’

The phrase is also, at times, used as an oath, as in ‘From my mouth to God’s ear, I am telling you the truth. This use is similar to ‘as God is my witness.’ The implication is that God is listening and I will not lie for fear of his wrath.

Sentence Examples

“I hope your mother’s surgery goes well.” “From your lips to God’s ears.”

“I don’t think the hurricane is going to come this far north.” “Well, from your lips to God’s ears.”

“From my lips to God’s ears, let this year get better. I can’t take anymore!”

“I think you’re going to have a really great night, and you look beautiful.” “Oh. From your lips to God’s ears.” — The Sitter (2011)

“If everything goes well, it’ll be over in less than 10 hours. “From your lips to God’s ear. ‘Cause if it doesn’t, we’re all in deep shit.” — Sniper (1993)

“You may lose, but you’ll mop up with the press. They’ll talk about how courageous your guy is.” “From your lips to God’s ears.” — The West Wing: King Corn (2005)

“Honey, if your new song is half as great as this party, you’re gonna have another gold record on that wall pretty soon.” “From your lips to God’s ears.” — Nashville: We’ve Got Things to Do (2014)

“From a Romanian orphanage to an American divorce. I hope New York State will prove a better guardian for these children.” “Well, from your lips to God’s ear.” — Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Happy Family (2003)

Origin

From your lips to God’s ears was a Yiddish saying spoken by Ashkenazi Jews in Europe and brought into America by those who immigrated there. However, it is probably Arabic in origin.

In Yiddish, the phrase is fun dayne lipn biz gots aoyern. Translations may very depending on the precise wording.

Another version, perhaps Arabic, is “from your lips to the Gates of Heaven.”