Crossword Genius

People in SUVs? Ones like Virginia — heavens! (7,8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

jeepers creepers

'heavens' is the definition.
(both are expressions of shock or fear)

'people in suvs? ones like virginia' is the wordplay.
'people in suvs?' becomes 'jeepers' (SUV is a type of jeep).
'ones like virginia' becomes 'creepers' (Virginia creeper is a plant).
'jeepers'+'creepers'='JEEPERS CREEPERS'

(Another definition for jeepers creepers that I've seen is " Golly gosh!".)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app