Another Word For Out of the blue

Meaning

The phrase "out of the blue" is an idiomatic expression that refers to something happening unexpectedly or suddenly, without any warning or prior indication. It's often used to describe surprising events or occurrences that seem to come from nowhere.

Synonyms

• Unexpectedly
• Abruptly
• Suddenly
• Unforeseen

Antonyms

• Predictably
• Expectedly
• Anticipated
• Foreseen

Etymology

The origin of "out of the blue" is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to be derived from the phrase "a bolt from the blue." This earlier expression refers to a sudden and surprising event, much like a lightning bolt coming from a clear blue sky. The phrase has been in use since at least the 19th century.

Examples

1. She called me out of the blue after years of not talking.
2. The job offer came out of the blue, and I had to make a quick decision.
3. His proposal caught me out of the blue; I wasn't expecting it at all.
4. The sudden storm rolled in out of the blue, leaving everyone unprepared.
5. Out of the blue, he decided to move to another country for work.