- Something completely unexpected, sudden, and surprising.
- Like a lightning bolt appearing in a clear blue sky.
Explanation
Origin
- Refers to lightning (bolt) striking unexpectedly from a clear (blue) sky.
- This rare phenomenon serves as a metaphor for any sudden, unforeseen event.
- Phrase popularized in the 19th century, possibly influenced by Thomas Carlyle.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Came out of left field. (Something unexpected, often an idea or comment)
- Total shocker.
- Blindsided. (To be surprised, usually unpleasantly)
- WTF moment. (Vulgar Expressing extreme surprise or confusion)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Hit me like a ton of bricks. (Describes the impact of shocking news)
- Holy shit! (Exclamation of surprise)
Milder/Standard:
- Completely unexpected.
- A total surprise.
- Without warning.
Situational Appropriateness
- Suitable for most contexts, informal to formal, to describe a surprising event.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The literal image is helpful, but learners need to grasp it applies to *any* sudden, unexpected event, not just weather.
Examples
- The news of his resignation came as a complete bolt from the blue.
- Her decision to move abroad was a bolt from the blue for her family.
- Out of a clear blue sky is a related phrase meaning unexpectedly.
Dialogue
Anna: Did you hear? The company is merging with our biggest competitor!
Ben: What? No! That's a complete bolt from the blue! Where did you hear that?
Anna: It was just announced in an all-hands email. Nobody saw it coming.
Social Media Examples
- News Headline Parody: BREAKING: Celebrity adopts capybara! A total bolt from the blue for fans! #CelebNews #Unexpected
- Personal Post: My best friend just announced she's pregnant! Such happy news, but a complete bolt from the blue! So excited for her! #Surprise #BabyNews
- Tweet: That plot twist in the season finale was a bolt from the blue! Mind = blown. #TVShow #SpoilerAlert (not really)
Response Patterns
- Typically expresses surprise or seeks more information.
- Really? I had no idea!
- Wow, that's incredible/shocking.
- What happened?
- Where did that come from?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- People usually ask for details about the surprising event or circumstances: Why did he resign suddenly?.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Describes an event or news just received.
Intonation
- Emphasis on bolt and blue. It was a BOLT from the BLUE.
- Usually spoken with a tone of surprise or shock.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
- Out of the blue might be slightly more common in casual conversation.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.