out of the blue — suddenly and unexpectedly; without warning or preparation
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: suddenly and unexpectedly; without warning or preparation
Pronunciation (IPA): /aʊt əv ðə bluː/
Example Sentences
- My ex texted me out of the blue asking if I still had their toothbrush.
- The company offered him a promotion out of the blue.
- Out of the blue, my neighbor asked if I could babysit her pet iguana while she's on vacation.
out of the blue
ADVERB[/aʊt əv ðə bluː/]
suddenly and unexpectedly; without warning or preparation
A childhood friend called her out of the blue after fifteen silent years.
Out of the blue, the news came true!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This expression emerged in the 19th century, drawing its metaphorical meaning from the image of lightning striking unexpectedly from a clear, blue sky. It derives from the older phrase 'bolt from the blue,' which similarly invokes the sudden and startling nature of a thunderbolt appearing without warning in cloudless weather.
Breakdown
out of (from a state or condition) + the (definite article) + blue (clear sky, representing the unexpected). The phrase uses 'blue' as a metonym for a clear, cloudless sky from which danger or surprise suddenly emerges.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My ex texted me out of the blue asking if I still had their toothbrush.”
“The company offered him a promotion out of the blue.”
“Out of the blue, my neighbor asked if I could babysit her pet iguana while she's on vacation.”
“The news of the merger came out of the blue to all employees.”
📚Related Words
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