out of the blue
Definition
- Adverb:
- In a way that was not expected; suddenly and without warning: This phrase describes something happening completely unexpectedly, as a total surprise, with no prior indication or preparation.
Usage
- The phrase "out of the blue" is used to emphasize the suddenness and complete unexpectedness of an event or piece of news. It functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb.
- It is typically placed at the end of a sentence or clause, though it can sometimes be moved for stylistic effect.
Examples
- Adverb:
- My old friend called me out of the blue after twenty years of no contact.
- The job offer came out of the blue; I hadn't even applied.
- He announced his resignation out of the blue, shocking everyone in the company.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often carries a sense of astonishment or shock due to the event's unpredictability.
- It can describe both positive surprises (like a welcome visit) and negative ones (like bad news).
- "Like a bolt out of the blue": This is a common, more emphatic variant using a simile. A "bolt" refers to a lightning bolt, reinforcing the idea of a sudden, shocking strike from a clear sky.
- The news of the accident hit us like a bolt out of the blue.
Variants and Related Words
- Out-of-the-blue (Adjectival form): Used before a noun to describe something that is unexpected.
- It was an out-of-the-blue phone call that changed everything.
- Bolt from the blue: A noun phrase meaning a complete and utter surprise.
- The stock market crash was a real bolt from the blue.
Synonyms
- Unexpectedly: In a way that is not expected or regarded as likely.
- Suddenly: Quickly and without warning.
- Without warning: With no advance notice or indication.
Related Idioms
- Out of nowhere: Having no obvious or apparent cause or origin; suddenly.
- A car appeared out of nowhere and almost hit us.
- Like a thunderclap: With sudden, startling force (similar to "like a bolt out of the blue").
Adjective
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not anticipated
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unanticipated and disconcerting lines of development- H.W.Glidden
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unforeseen circumstances
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a virtue unlooked-for in people so full of energy
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like a bolt out of the blue
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Adverb
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in a way that was not expected
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her brother showed up at the wedding out of the blue
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