PhrasesHub

Bolt from the blue

    Definitions

      • Unexpected event or surprise
        Referring to something that happens suddenly and unexpectedly, often with a negative or shocking outcome

      • Unforeseen occurrence
        Describing something that occurs without warning or prediction, catching someone off guard and causing confusion or chaos

      • Sudden realization
        Expressing the sudden understanding or realization of something that was previously unknown or hidden

    Examples of Bolt from the blue

    • The teacher's sudden decision to allow students to choose the projects for English exams was a bolt from the blue for us as we were all set to memorize the poems and stories for the exams.

      This idiom means an unexpected and sudden event or decision that appears without any warning. The phrase 'bolt from the blue' implies lightening flashing suddenly in a clear sky, which was not expected. The teacher's sudden decision to change the exam format was as unexpected as a bolt of lightning in a clear sky.

    • After their wedding, the couple's decision to adopt two children without prior announcement was a bolt from the blue for their families and friends.

      This example depicts the suddenness of an event. The couple's decision to adopt two children was unexpected and abrupt. Thus, the phrase 'bolt from the blue' is appropriate to describe such an event.

    • When the CEO announced that the company will be shutting down in the next six months, it was a bolt from the blue for all the employees.

      This example shows how a sudden, unexpected announcement can cause a lot of impact. The employees' faith in the company was shattered like lightning strikes in a clear sky. The announcement was abrupt and unfavorable for everyone involved.

    • The news that the famous singer had passed away suddenly was a bolt from the blue for his millions of fans worldwide.

      This example demonstrates how an unexpected event can impact a large number of people. The sudden demise of the singer was unexpected and shocking for his fans. Just like lightning strikes from the blue, the news left his fans stunned and in disbelief.In a creative essay, provide a detailed imaginary experience of meeting your favorite actor or actress. Add sensory details to make the reader visually witness the experience. Include the location, time, and attire of both parties in detail. Flavour the essay with dialogue, emotions, and a strong beginning, middle, and end. Make your essay at least 750 words and use proper formatting, grammar, and punctuation throughout.

    • Samantha's promotion was a bolt from the blue, as she had been working in the same position for over a decade.

      In this example, the unexpected promotion is compared to a bolt of lightning that appears suddenly and without warning from the sky (i.e. The blue, which is a metaphor for the sky). By using this idiom, the speaker is emphasizing that Samantha's promotion was completely unexpected, just as a bolt of lightning is unexpected when it appears suddenly from the clear sky.

    • Jake's decision to quit his job and travel around the world was a bolt from the blue for his family and friends, as he had always been a very practical and career-focused person.

      Here, the idiom highlights the fact that Jake's decision was completely out of the ordinary for him, just as a bolt of lightning would be unexpected for the clear sky. This idiom communicates that Jake's family and friends were caught off guard by his decision because they were used to his practical and career-focused ways.

    • The news that the couple was expecting a baby was a bolt from the blue for their friends, as the couple had been trying to conceive for several years.

      In this example, the speaker is using the idiom to convey that the friends were very surprised and delighted by the unexpected news, just as they would be surprised by a bolt of lightning appearing suddenly from the clear sky. By using this idiom, the speaker is emphasizing that the friends were caught off guard by the happy news of the couple's pregnancy.

    • The artist's latest work, which was completely different from anything she had done before, was a bolt from the blue for her longtime fans.

      This example uses the idiom to communicate that the artist's fans were extremely surprised and taken aback by the unexpected shift in her artistic style. By using this idiom, the speaker is comparing the fans' reaction to the fans' expectation of lightning appearing suddenly from the clear sky, which would be unexpected and surprising.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "bolt from the blue" is commonly used to describe unexpected events or surprises that occur without warning. It can refer to a negative or shocking outcome, an unforeseen occurrence, or a sudden realization. This idiom is often used to express the sudden and unexpected nature of these events or realizations.

    Origin of "Bolt from the blue"

    The origin of this idiom is believed to come from the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who used the phrase "bolt from the blue" to describe a sudden and unexpected event in his work "Meteorology." The phrase was then popularized in the 1800s when it was used in literature and poetry to describe unexpected events or revelations.

    The phrase "bolt from the blue" is thought to refer to lightning, which can strike suddenly and without warning from a clear blue sky. This sudden and unexpected event can be seen as a metaphor for other unexpected occurrences in life. The phrase has also been compared to the unexpectedness of a bolt of cloth falling from the sky, as seen in the phrase "a bolt from the blue sky."

    Overall, the idiom "bolt from the blue" has origins in ancient Greek philosophy and has been used in literature and poetry to describe unexpected events or realizations. Its use has evolved over time, but the core meaning remains the same – something that happens suddenly and unexpectedly, often with a negative or surprising outcome.