A bolt from the blue

Meaning

A sudden and unexpected event

Usage

Used when something surprises everyone without warning

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Lightning strikes that occur from a clear blue sky

Appears in 19th-century literature to describe shocking moments