out of the blue
Totally without warning
Out of the blue means unexpectedly, without warning or preparation.
The phrase evokes something appearing from a clear sky—no clouds, no indication of what's coming: She called me out of the blue after ten years.
A bolt from the blue is a sudden, shocking event.
The full form out of the clear blue sky is sometimes used for emphasis.
Not predicted or expected
- unanticipatedNot predicted beforehand
- unlooked-forNot anticipated or foreseen
- randomOccurring without pattern
- unplannedNot arranged beforehand
accidental · fortuitous · serendipitous · chance · fluke · coincidence · unforeseeable · unheralded
Happening without any delay
- swiftMoving with speed
- immediateHappening without delay
- flashBrief burst of light
- abruptSharp and unexpected
precipitate · lightning · snap · split-second · whirlwind · overnight · rapid · quick
Shocking sudden revelation
- thunderboltElectric sky discharge with boom
- stunnerPerson or thing overwhelming
- whammyCurse or misfortune
- revelationSurprising disclosed truth
epiphany · astonishment · amazement · shock · jolt · curveball · twist · disbelief
unforeseen
Not predicted or expected
- unanticipatedNot predicted beforehand
- unlooked-forNot anticipated or foreseen
- randomOccurring without pattern
unplanned · accidental · fortuitous · serendipitous · chance · fluke · coincidence · unforeseeable · unheralded · anomaly
instantaneous
Happening without any delay
abrupt · precipitate · lightning · snap · split-second · whirlwind · overnight · rapid · quick · meteoric
bombshell
Shocking sudden revelation
- thunderboltElectric sky discharge with boom
- stunnerPerson or thing overwhelming
- whammyCurse or misfortune
revelation · epiphany · astonishment · amazement · shock · jolt · curveball · twist · disbelief · wonder
- suddennesssudden, suddenly, abrupt, abruptly, instant
- surprisessurprise party, unexpected gift, plot twist, unexpected event, unexpected success
- Surprise reactionsshock, gasp, startle, flinch, jump
out of the blueexpected
Regarded as likely
predictable · anticipated · as expected · foreseen · unsurprising
out of the bluescheduled
Arranged for specific time
planned · prearranged · premeditated · arranged · by appointment