bolt from the blue, a
Also, a bolt out of the blue. A sudden, unexpected event. For example, Bill's dropping his life insurance was a bolt from the blue for his wife. This metaphoric term alludes to totally unforeseen lightning or thunder from a cloudless (blue) sky. [First half of 1800s]
BEHIND THE PHRASE
What does a bolt from the blue mean?
The phrase a bolt from the blue means a sudden event that was completely unexpected, as in Jordan’s sudden burst of intensity was like a bolt from the blue, catching everyone off guard.
Because a bolt from the blue is used to specifically refer to sudden surprises, it is often accompanied by words such as shocking, stunning, unexpected, and surprising.
The phrase a bolt out of the blue is also used.
Example: The surprise appearance of Santa Claus was a wonderful bolt from the blue for the children.
Where does a bolt from the blue come from?
The first records of the phrase a bolt from the blue come from around 1837. A bolt from the blue is a metaphorical phrase referring to a lightning bolt suddenly coming from a clear sky, something you wouldn’t expect. The word bolt refers to a lightning bolt (a flash of lightning), and the blue refers to a clear sky (a stormy sky might be grey or black).
A bolt from the blue often appears in news stories and other descriptions of unexpected events. You might use this phrase when you are surprised by a sudden event that you didn’t expect, like a tornado coming through the area or a surprise birthday party your friends throw for you. (If you want to throw us a surprise party, we promise to be surprised!)
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What are some other forms related to bolt from the blue?
- a bolt out of the blue
What are some synonyms for bolt from the blue?
What are some words that share a root or word element with bolt from the blue?
What are some words that often get used in discussing bolt from the blue?
How is a bolt from the blue used in real life?
A bolt from the blue is a common phrase used to refer to sudden surprises that the speaker didn’t see coming.
Giroud's goal came out of nowhere tbh. Was a bolt from the blue. Hope to see him score similarly many more times this season
— Roland (@_RolandT) August 10, 2014
And another bolt from the blue. Action director Parvez Khan with whom I have such amazing memories passed away. Strength to his family.
— Rajeev Khandelwal (@RK1610IsMe) July 27, 2020
Community Trade Union says Courtaulds going into administration comes as a "bolt out of the blue"
— BBC East Midlands (@bbcemt) May 25, 2016
Try using a bolt from the blue!
Is a bolt from the blue used correctly in the following sentence?
The early snow was a bolt from the blue that farmers had been preparing for for weeks.