“A bolt from the blue” is an idiom in the English language that people use in everyday conversation. You have likely used this expression yourself at some point, but many people don’t know its true meaning. Understand the meaning of this idiom, learn where it came from, and see some example sentences to help you use it in daily conversation.
Meaning of the Idiom
“A bolt from the blue” is an idiom that describes a sudden and unexpected event or piece of news, typically one that is shocking or startling. The phrase evokes the image of a lightning bolt appearing unexpectedly from a clear blue sky, emphasizing the element of surprise and unforeseen circumstances. It is often used to express the sudden and unanticipated nature of an event or revelation.
Origin of the Idiom
The origin of “a bolt from the blue” can be traced back to the literal sense of a lightning bolt appearing suddenly and unexpectedly from a clear blue sky. This picturesque expression has been used since the late 19th century, and over time, it transitioned into an idiomatic form to describe any unforeseen and surprising event that takes people by surprise.
10 Idiom Example Sentences
1. The announcement of their sudden engagement was a bolt from the blue for everyone who knew them.
2. The unexpected promotion was a bolt from the blue for the hardworking employee.
3. The news of the company’s bankruptcy came as a bolt from the blue to the employees.
4. Winning the lottery was a bolt from the blue for the struggling family.
5. The sudden change in weather, from sunny to a heavy storm, was a bolt from the blue for the outdoor event.
6. The unexpected resignation of the CEO was a bolt from the blue for the board of directors.
7. Discovering a rare artifact in the backyard was a bolt from the blue for the homeowner.
8. The professor’s decision to cancel the final exam was a bolt from the blue for the students.
9. The sudden closure of the popular restaurant was a bolt from the blue for its loyal customers.
10. The unexpected pregnancy was a bolt from the blue for the newlyweds.
How to Use ‘A Bolt from the Blue’ in Everyday Conversations
Now that you know the meaning and origin of the idiom “a bolt from the blue,” let’s see how you can use it in a real-world conversation.
Conversation 1:
Lucy and Tom are discussing some surprising news Tom received.
Lucy: So, how did you find out you’re getting a big bonus?
Tom: It was a bolt from the blue! I had no idea my performance was even being reviewed.
Lucy: That’s amazing! Surprises like that don’t happen often.
Tom: Exactly. I’m still shocked but really grateful for it.
Conversation 2:
Sophie and Ben are talking about a sudden announcement at work.
Sophie: Can you believe the manager is leaving? It was a total bolt from the blue.
Ben: I know, right? No one saw that coming at all.
Sophie: Makes you wonder what else could change around here unexpectedly.
Ben: True. Things can really take a surprising turn sometimes.
Similar Idioms
Meaning: This phrase describes something that happens suddenly and unexpectedly, similar to a surprising event or news that comes like a “bolt from the blue.”
Example: The job offer came out of the blue, catching her completely off guard.
2. Catch Someone Off Guard
Meaning: This idiom refers to surprising someone when they least expect it, aligning with the idea of an unexpected event.
Example: His sudden announcement caught everyone off guard.
Idioms Starting From Letter A
Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter A. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘A’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the A-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter A.
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