мыслимое ли дело

• МЫСЛИМОЕ <МЫСЛИМО substand> ЛИ ДЕЛО coll

[sent; these forms only; usu. the main clause in a complex sent (often foll. by a чтобы-clause), a clause in a compound sent, or indep. sent (often used as an exclamation or rhetorical question); fixed WO]

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⇒ (used to express ones displeasure, resentment, indignation etc over some action or occurrence) this is unacceptable, unimaginable:

- is it conceivable (possible) that...?;

- [in limited contexts] it's beyond me;

- it's (that's) (simply) unheard of.

     ♦ "Подумай сама, - начинает старший, - мыслимое ли дело, чтобы немцы подпустили этого прохвоста [Петлюру] близко к городу?" (Булгаков 3). "Now just think," Alexei began. "Is is conceivable that the Germans should let that scoundrel Petlyura come anywhere near the city?" (3a).

     ♦ "Ну, мыслимое ли это дело: русские, православные люди сцепились между собой, и удержу нету" (Шолохов 5). "Ay, it's beyond me! Russians, true Christians, going for each other like this and there's no pulling you apart" (5a).