Bolt from the blue Meaning in English
expression
ˈboʊɫt/ /ˈfɹəm/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈbɫu
BOHLT frum thuh BLOO
bˈəʊlt/ /fɹˈɒm/ /ðə, ði/ /blˈuː
BOHLT frum thuh BLOO
Definition
A sudden and unexpected event, often shocking or surprising, that happens without any warning.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiomatic, somewhat formal expression. It is used about especially shocking surprises, often with negative consequences. Common in news or storytelling; not typically used for small or everyday surprises.
Spanish: sorpresa total - algo inesperadoPortuguese (BR): surpresa inesperada - algo do nadaPortuguese (PT): surpresa inesperada - algo do nadaChinese (Simplified): 晴天霹雳 - 毫无预警的事情Chinese (Traditional): 晴天霹靂 - 毫無預警的事情Hindi: अचानक हुआ घटना - चौंकाने वाली बातArabic: مفاجأة غير متوقعة - أمر مفاجئBengali: আকাশ থেকে বজ্রপাত - আকস্মিক দুর্যোগRussian: как гром среди ясного небаJapanese: 青天の霹靂Vietnamese: sét đánh ngang taiKorean: 청천벽력Turkish: gökten düşen yıldırım - beklenmedik şokUrdu: آسمان سے گرا بجلی کا جھٹکاIndonesian: bagaikan petir di siang bolong
Example Sentences
The news of his resignation was a bolt from the blue.
basic
Her decision to move abroad was a bolt from the blue for the family.
basic
The company’s closure came as a bolt from the blue to its employees.
basic
When I got that call, it was a real bolt from the blue.
natural
Losing my wallet on vacation was a bolt from the blue I didn't expect at all.
natural
His sudden appearance at the party was a total bolt from the blue.
natural