bolt of lightning
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A single, sudden, and powerful flash of lightning that is seen and its accompanying thunder is heard. It refers to one distinct electrical discharge from a thunderstorm.
Usage
This noun phrase is used to describe a specific, countable instance of lightning. It emphasizes the suddenness, force, and singular nature of the event. - It is typically used with verbs like see, strike, hit, or illuminate. - It often appears in descriptive narratives about weather.
Examples
- We watched from the window as a bolt of lightning split the dark sky.
- The storm began with a single, brilliant bolt of lightning.
- The bolt of lightning struck the old oak tree at the edge of the field.
Advanced Usage
- Like a bolt of lightning: Used as a simile to describe something that happens with extreme speed, suddenness, or shocking force.
- The news hit her like a bolt of lightning.
- Out of the blue like a bolt of lightning: Emphasizes something completely unexpected and sudden.
- His resignation came out of the blue like a bolt of lightning.
Variants and Related Words
- Lightning bolt (n): A common alternative with the same meaning.
- A lightning bolt flashed above the mountains.
- Thunderbolt (n): Can be synonymous but often carries a more mythical or figurative connotation of a sudden, devastating event or a weapon of the gods.
- Lightning flash (n): A more general term for the visible light from a discharge, which may or may not imply the accompanying thunder as strongly.
Synonyms
- Lightning discharge: A more technical term.
- Thunderbolt: (See note in Variants).
- Fulmination: A formal or literary term for a lightning flash and thunderclap.
Related Phrases
- Bolt from the blue: An idiom meaning a complete surprise. It is directly related to the imagery of a lightning bolt ("bolt") coming from a clear blue sky ("the blue").
- The announcement of their merger was a bolt from the blue for the industry.
Noun
- a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder