bomb-shell

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A sudden shocking piece of news or event: "bombshell" refers to something unexpected and startling, often causing great surprise or dismay.
    • A very attractive woman: In informal usage, "bombshell" can describe a woman who is strikingly beautiful or sexually appealing.
Usage Examples

  • Sudden shocking news or event:

    • The resignation of the CEO was a bombshell that stunned the entire company. (An unexpected and shocking announcement.)
    • She dropped a bombshell when she revealed she was leaving the country. (She made a startling revelation.)

  • Attractive woman:

    • She was a blonde bombshell who turned heads wherever she went. (A strikingly beautiful woman.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to drop a bombshell": to announce a shocking piece of news unexpectedly.

    • He dropped a bombshell at the meeting by announcing the merger. (He made a startling announcement.)

  • "bombshell report": a report that reveals surprising or scandalous information.

    • The bombshell report exposed corruption in the government. (A shocking investigative document.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Bomb (n): an explosive device; also used metaphorically for a shocking event.

    • The news was like a bomb going off in the office. (A sudden, explosive surprise.)

  • Shell (n): a hard outer covering; in military terms, a projectile.

    • The artillery shell exploded with a loud bang. (A physical projectile.)
Synonyms
  • Shock: a sudden upsetting or surprising event.
  • Stunner: something that causes great surprise.
  • Thunderbolt: a sudden, unexpected event.
  • Sensation: an event that causes widespread excitement or shock.
Related Idioms

  • "a bombshell of a story": a news story that is extremely shocking.

    • The journalist uncovered a bombshell of a story about the politician's past. (A scandalous revelation.)

  • "like a bombshell": in a sudden and dramatic way.

    • The announcement hit us like a bombshell. (It caused immediate shock.)
Etymology Note

The word "bombshell" originally referred to an artillery shell that explodes. Its figurative use for shocking news dates back to the mid-19th century, and the sense of an attractive woman emerged in the early 20th century, popularized by Hollywood.