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Region: General | Usage example: The CEO dropped a bombshell when he announced the acquisition.

Drop a bombshell

Meaning

Deliver shocking news.

Usage

Used when revealing surprising, disruptive information.

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.

War metaphor for sudden explosions.

Used since the early 20th century describing wartime surprises and scandals.