bolt from the blue

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase bolt from the blue, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression bolt from the blue used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "bolt from the blue"

Meaning

The idiom ‘bolt from the blue’ is an expression used to describe something that is completely unexpected and comes as a surprise. It’s often used for events or occurrences that seem to come out of nowhere and that were formerly completely unknown. In particular, the idiom refers to events which have an unexpected and dramatic impact on a person’s life.

Etymology

The phrase ‘bolt from the blue’ originated, unsurprisingly, from the English language. It first appeared in the early nineteenth century and has been in use ever since. As a phrase, it’s a combination of two other phrases, ‘bolt’ and ‘from the blue’. ‘Bolt’ is a verb meaning to suddenly move or appear, while ‘from the blue’ is a phrase commonly meant to describe something coming from the sky, most likely referring to a lightning bolt.

Usage

The idiom ‘bolt from the blue’ is used most often to refer to sudden and unexpected events which have an unexpected and dramatic impact on the person experiencing them. It is a phrase most often used in the context of sudden and unexpected changes to one’s life or plans. For example, it can be used to refer to a sudden illness, the passing away of a loved one, or unexpected news from a friend. It is commonly used when discussing painful or disruptive experiences which come as a surprise.

Example Sentences

• John was devastated after the news of his father’s death—it was like a bolt from the blue.
• I was shocked when I received the news that my job had been eliminated—it was like a bolt from the blue.
• Mary was completely taken aback when her partner announced he was leaving her—it was like a bolt from the blue.

Beyond the Literal: Figurative Language in Idioms

Idioms often use figurative language to convey a message that is not meant to be taken literally. For instance, the idiom "bite the bullet" means to endure a painful or difficult situation without complaint, while "hold your horses" means to be patient and wait. Other idioms, like "kick the bucket" or "pop your clogs," use euphemisms to talk about death.