Bolt from the Blue Idiom Meaning, Examples, Synonyms

The meaning of the idiom Bolt from the Blue is ‘A sudden event’. When there is unexpected news it is said to bolt from the blue. Therefore, this idiom is used to demarcate a tone of surprise. 

Something that comes to you as a complete surprise is said to bolt from the blue. For instance, when a person is usually unprepared for such an event. Also, this phrase is derived from the natural phenomenon of lightning and thunder. 

On a clear sky, if suddenly lightning strikes the sky, the event is literally called a ‘Bolt from the blue’ by meteorologists. Hence, the phrase commonly came to use to demarcate the tone of unexpectedness and surprise. 

The first known use of this phrase is cited in The French Revolution, 1837 by Thomas Carlyle. He writes, “Arrestment, sudden really as a bolt out of the Blue, has hit strange victims.”

Also Read: Hit the Books Meaning, Examples, Synonyms

Bolt From The Blue Idiom Origin

The idiom “bolt from the blue” originates from the idea of a sudden lightning bolt striking from a clear, blue sky—something completely unexpected and shocking. The phrase first appeared in the 19th century and has been used in both literature and everyday speech to describe surprising or unforeseen events. The word “bolt” refers to a lightning bolt, and the “blue” refers to the sky. Just as a lightning strike from a calm sky would be startling, the idiom conveys the idea of something happening without any prior indication or warning.

Bolt From The Blue Idiom Usage and Examples

The idiom bolt from the blue is used in both professional and personal settings. The phrase is used to indicate a tone of surprise from the event. 

Subsequently, the sentence formation can seldom be described as happy or sad as the sole focus of the phrase is on the unpreparedness for the event. 

Here are some examples of how you can use the phrase Bolt from the Blue.

1. The project was going well but the new deadline bolted from the blue and everything went off the track. 
2. It was a nice vacation until our neighbours bolted from the blue and ruined it. 
3. We were almost dead sweating under a sunny sky when the clouds bolted from the blue. 
4. He refused to come to the party but he has a habit of bolting from the blue at the last moment.

Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings

Synonyms and Similar Words to Bolt From The Blue 

Here are some words and phrases that mean the same thing as Bolt from the Blue

1. Out of the blue. 
2. Bombshell
3. Stunner
4. Shocker
5. Unforeseen
6. Sudden
7. Impromptu
8. Out of the left field

Bolt From The Blue Meaning Quiz

Q1. What does the idiom “bolt from the blue” mean?
A) A pleasant surprise
B) A sudden and unexpected event
C) A planned announcement
D) A calm before the storm

Answer: B) A sudden and unexpected event

Q2. Where does the idiom “bolt from the blue” originate from?
A) Military strategies
B) Astronomical observations
C) The image of lightning from a clear sky
D) Ancient Greek mythology

Answer: C) The image of lightning from a clear sky

Q3. In which sentence is “bolt from the blue” used correctly?
A) She painted the sky with a bolt from the blue.
B) His sudden resignation was a bolt from the blue.
C) The bolt from the blue cooled the summer day.
D) He caught a bolt from the blue in his hands.

Answer: B) His sudden resignation was a bolt from the blue.

Q4. Which word is a close synonym of “bolt from the blue”?
A) Expectation
B) Routine
C) Shock
D) Tradition

Answer: C) Shock

Q5. Fill in the blank:
The news of her winning the lottery came as a ______ from the blue.
A) ray
B) bolt
C) flash
D) beam

Answer: B) bolt

Q6. “Bolt from the blue” is used to describe something that was long expected.
A) True
B) False

Answer: B) False

Q7. In which situation would you use “bolt from the blue”?
A) A student receiving results after months of study
B) A surprise party planned in secret
C) A family suddenly winning a jackpot without buying a ticket
D) A scheduled company announcement

Answer: C) A family suddenly winning a jackpot without buying a ticket

Q8. Which sentence does NOT use “bolt from the blue” correctly?
A) The company’s bankruptcy was a bolt from the blue.
B) The thunderstorm arrived like a bolt from the blue.
C) His routine morning walk was a bolt from the blue.
D) Her unexpected visit was a bolt from the blue.

Answer: C) His routine morning walk was a bolt from the blue.

Q9. What kind of idiom is “bolt from the blue”?
A) Weather-related idiom
B) Food-related idiom
C) Business idiom
D) Travel idiom

Answer: A) Weather-related idiom

Q10. Choose the sentence that conveys the same meaning as “It was a bolt from the blue.”
A) It happened after a long wait.
B) It was completely predictable.
C) It was a total shock to everyone.
D) It happened every year at the same time.

Answer: C) It was a total shock to everyone.

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