Out of left field

Meaning

Unexpected or surprising.

Usage

Used to describe unpredictable ideas.

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.

Baseball term for hits originating from left field that catch fielders off guard.

20th-century American sports writing broadened it to any surprise.