A bolt from the blue
Meaning
A sudden, completely unexpected event, often one that is unpleasant or shocking.
Origin
Imagine a serene summer day, the sky a vast, unbroken expanse of cerulean blue. Not a cloud in sight, no hint of a storm. Then, without warning, a blinding flash, a deafening crack—a lightning bolt descends from that clear, innocent sky. This rare and terrifying meteorological event, where a strike occurs without visible storm clouds, gave birth to the phrase. It’s the ultimate symbol of the unexpected, a sudden catastrophe erupting from a context of calm and safety. The sheer improbability and shocking nature of such an occurrence made it a perfect metaphor for any sudden, unforeseen disaster or piece of news that strikes with no prior indication, gaining popularity as a vivid idiom in the 19th century.
Examples
- The news of her sudden resignation came as a bolt from the blue, surprising everyone in the office.
- Just when they thought their troubles were over, the unexpected lawsuit arrived like a bolt from the blue.
- Just when they thought their troubles were over, the unexpected lawsuit arrived like a bolt from the blue.