← Back to collection
Region: General | Usage example: The merger announcement was a bolt from the blue for the entire staff

A bolt from the blue

Meaning

A sudden and unexpected event

Usage

Used when something surprises everyone without warning

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Lightning strikes that occur from a clear blue sky

Appears in 19th-century literature to describe shocking moments

Related Idioms

Pennies from heaven

Unexpected good luck or income.

Once in a blue moon

Very rarely.

Blue in the face

Extremely frustrated from repeating something.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.