Out of the blue (idiom)

Out of the blue (idiom)
A clear blue sky, framed by bare trees (July 2005).

"Out of the blue" is an informal English idiom that describes an event that occurs unexpectedly, without any warning or preparation.[1] It is used as an adverb. The "blue" in the phrase refers to the sky, one from which a sudden thunderstorm is unexpected.[2]

For example, if a father suddenly perishes in an accident and his daughter inherits an unexpected fortune, then the money came to her "out of the blue."

Longer and more explicit variations include out of the clear blue sky and out of a clear blue sky.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ Pocket English Idioms: "Out Of The Blue" from GoEnglish.com
  2. ^ Oxford Dictionary of Idioms. p. 31. 
  3. ^ http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/come+out+of+the+blue

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