A bolt from the blue
Idioms & PhrasesMEDIUM
something very surprising and unexpected
A bolt from the blue
Idioms & PhrasesMEDIUM
something very surprising and unexpected
Learning Progress
Examples
"The resignation of the chairman came like a bolt from the blue."
"Her diagnosis was a bolt from the blue — none of us suspected anything was wrong."
Mnemonic Trick
Think of lightning suddenly striking from a clear blue sky.
Cultural Context
Common idiom for sudden shocks or surprises.
Source: Idioms & PhrasesAdded: 11/13/2025
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