Meaning of the word "believe it or not" in English

What does "believe it or not" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

believe it or not

US /bɪˈliːv ɪt ɔːr nɑːt/
UK /bɪˈliːv ɪt ɔː nɒt/
"believe it or not" picture

Idiom

used to introduce information that is surprising or hard to believe

Example:
Believe it or not, I've never been to New York.
He actually won the lottery, believe it or not.