Bolt from the blue
Bolt from the blue
A sudden, unexpected event or piece of news.
A sudden, unexpected event or piece of news.The phrase 'bolt from the blue' refers to a situation where something completely unexpected happens, taking everyone by surprise. The imagery is of a lightning bolt striking suddenly from a clear blue sky, which is a rare occurrence, hence the metaphor for shock or surprise. This idiom is commonly used to describe events that come out of nowhere, without any forewarning, often causing significant impact or change. It can be used in various contexts, from personal life events like sudden job offers or breakups, to global news such as unexpected political events or natural disasters.
The phrase 'bolt from the blue' refers to a situation where something completely unexpected happens, taking everyone by surprise. The imagery is of a lightning bolt striking suddenly from a clear blue sky, which is a rare occurrence, hence the metaphor for shock or surprise. This idiom is commonly used to describe events that come out of nowhere, without any forewarning, often causing significant impact or change. It can be used in various contexts, from personal life events like sudden job offers or breakups, to global news such as unexpected political events or natural disasters.
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Use cases
The CEO's resignation was a bolt from the blue, leaving the company scrambling to find a replacement.
Finding out I had won the lottery felt like a bolt from the blue, as I had completely forgotten I'd even bought a ticket.
When the peaceful town was hit by a sudden storm, it came as a bolt from the blue, catching everyone off guard.
Her decision to move abroad was a bolt from the blue for her family, who had expected her to stay close to home.
The news of the quiet student's top national exam score was a bolt from the blue to his teachers.
Receiving a job offer from a company I hadn't applied to was like a bolt from the blue, but a welcome surprise.
The sudden collapse of the bridge was a bolt from the blue, prompting an immediate investigation into its cause.
His unexpected proposal in the middle of dinner was a bolt from the blue, leaving me speechless and teary-eyed.
The announcement of the merger came as a bolt from the blue, drastically changing the landscape of the industry overnight.
Discovering an unknown sibling through a DNA testing service was certainly a bolt from the blue for her.