bolt out of the blue
Completely unexpected event
A bolt out of the blue is something completely unexpected—a sudden event or piece of news that arrives without warning.
The image is of lightning from a clear sky, striking when no storm was anticipated: Her resignation was a bolt out of the blue.
Also *bolt from the blue*.
- black swanDark-feathered Australian waterfowl
- blindsidedSurprised by unforeseen impact
- blind spotArea of blocked perception
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- thunderclapExplosive atmospheric sound
surprise · plot twist · startlement · astonishment · unanticipated · caught off guard · bombshell · unexpected · stupefaction · out of nowhere · without warning · flash · shock · bewilderment · hit like a ton of bricks · disbelief · breaking news · jolt
bolt out of the blueforegone conclusion
Result assumed beforehand
sure thing · matter of course · writing on the wall · fait accompli · par for the course
bolt out of the bluegradual change
Slow, steady transformation
slow burn · slow build · long time coming · building momentum · gradual shift