What does “Out of the blue” mean?
"Out of the blue" means that something happens unexpectedly or without any warning.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He called me out of the blue after not speaking for years.
Example
The car broke down out of the blue on our road trip.
Example
She received a job offer out of the blue from a company she didn't apply to
Is “Out of the blue” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Out of the blue” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Out of the blue” effectively in context?
You can use "Out of the Blue" to describe something that happens unexpectedly or without any warning. It emphasizes the element of surprise. For example, if a friend calls you after not speaking for years, you might say, 'He called me "out of the blue".'
- 1Reconnecting with someone
He called me out of the blue after not speaking for years.
- 2Unexpected event
The car broke down out of the blue on our road trip.
- 3Unsolicited opportunity
She received a job offer out of the blue from a company she didn't apply to.
Similar phrases to “Out of the blue”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Out of the blue” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Out of the Blue" is unknown.
Is “Out of the blue” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Out of the Blue" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe unexpected events or situations.
What tone does “Out of the blue” have?
"Out of the Blue" conveys a tone of surprise and astonishment. It suggests that something happened suddenly and unexpectedly.
Can “Out of the blue” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Out of the Blue" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes unexpected events. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He called me "out of the blue".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That happened "out of the blue"!' to express surprise.
