Did someone say something happened 'out of the blue' and you’re wondering what it means? In this article, we’ll take a look at the meaning, origin, examples, and more.
‘Out of the blue’ is an idiom that means “unexpectedly.” If something happens ‘out of the blue,’ it means that it happened without any prior warning.
For example, let’s say you haven’t heard from one of your friends in months. All of a sudden, she knocks on your door and asks you out for coffee. If this were to occur, you could say that she showed up ‘out of the blue.’
This idiom is actually short for the phrase ‘out of the blue sky.’
The idea is that something unexpected– such as a rainstorm or lightning storm– can suddenly appear from an otherwise cloudless sky. When there aren’t any clouds in the sky, it’s reasonable to expect that there isn’t going to be any bad weather headed your way. However, sometimes adverse weather conditions can appear right ‘out of the blue sky.’
This idiom originated during the nineteenth century in Britain and is now an idiom that is used throughout the English-speaking world.
One example of this phrase being used in historic texts shows up in The Standard from London in 1863:
“Murder now rises up before us, gaunt and unmitigated, in a circle where all seemed lovely, virtuous, and peaceful. This is verily “a bolt out of the blue”—the lightning flash in a sunny sky.”
Here’s another example from a little over ten years later in The Dundee Courier & Argus:
“London, Tuesday Evening.
A bolt out of the blue struck this afternoon. Nothing calmer than the Parliamentary sky could be imagined. The House of Commons was scantily filled. Questions had been as dull and heavy as a West Indian summer day. In the lobbies members were complaining that nothing was moving.”
When was the actual phrase first used in print? While it can be hard to pinpoint the very first usage of any phrase, the earliest known appearance of our idiom using its exact wording is from The Spectator in 1879:
“What is the Times at? Twice this week, the organ of her Majesty’s Government has fired off articles so completely “out of the blue” that it is difficult to believe they are uninspired, which point [sic] to some impending coup d’état or coup de théâtre to be immediately struck in India.”
We find a related variant of the phrase in The Republican Compiler from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, way back in 1836:
“The late veto of President Jackson on the bill to fix a day for the yearly adjournment of Congress, was like a clap of thunder out of a clear sky. It took both the friends and enemies of the administration by surprise.”
How would this idiom be used in a sentence? Let’s take a look at some examples:
What are some other words and phrases that have a similar meaning to 'out of the blue'?
Here are some options:
‘Out of the blue’ is an idiom that has been used in the English-speaking world since it first emerged in Britain in the 19th century. With the meaning ‘unexpectedly’ or ‘without warning,’ this is a great way to describe an event or occurrence you didn’t anticipate.
Are you ready to learn more English phrases and expand your vocabulary? Be sure to check out our idioms blog for idioms, expressions, sayings, and more!
We encourage you to share this article on Twitter and Facebook. Just click those two links - you'll see why.
It's important to share the news to spread the truth. Most people won't.
