out of the blue

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out of the blue

Her friend called her out of the blue to share the good news.

Definition
  1. 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").
out of the blue

Her friend called her out of the blue to share the good news.

Adjective
  1. not anticipated
    • unanticipated and disconcerting lines of development- H.W.Glidden
    • unforeseen circumstances
    • a virtue unlooked-for in people so full of energy
    • like a bolt out of the blue
Adverb
  1. in a way that was not expected
    • her brother showed up at the wedding out of the blue

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