Ruling on saying: (I did not think I would meet you)

Q: A. A. from Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia says in his question: Some people, for example, when they search for a person and do not find him, then they continue searching and find him, they say to him: "I did not think, by Allah, that I would meet you." What is the ruling of the Shari'ah regarding this statement? May Allah guide you and assist you. Amen.
A: This is a colloquial expression, and I do not know of any blame in it. Its meaning is: I nearly despaired of meeting you. And success is from Allah.