What does “Out of the left field” mean?
"Out of the left field" means that something happens unexpectedly or surprisingly.
What context can I use the in?
Example
His comment came out of the left field and caught everyone off guard.
Example
The team's victory was out of the left field as they were considered underdogs.
Example
Her decision to quit her job and travel the world came out of the left field for her friends and family
Is “Out of the left field” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Out of the left field” 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 left field” effectively in context?
You can use "Out of the left field" to describe something that is unexpected or surprising. It implies that the thing or event came from an unexpected source or direction. For example, if someone makes a sudden and surprising comment during a meeting, you might say, 'His comment came "out of the left field" and caught everyone off guard.'
- 1Conversation
Her remark about quitting her job and starting a business came out of the left field and surprised everyone.
- 2Sports
The team's victory in the championship game was out of the left field as they were considered underdogs.
- 3Personal Life
His decision to move to a different country came out of the left field for his friends and family.
Similar phrases to “Out of the left field”:
Blindsided
To be taken by surprise or caught unawares
Example
She was completely blindsided by the news of her friend's betrayal.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Out of the left field” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Out of the left field" is unknown.
Is “Out of the left field” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Out of the left field" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe unexpected or surprising events, comments, or decisions.
What tone does “Out of the left field” have?
"Out of the left field" conveys a tone of surprise and astonishment. It suggests that something came unexpectedly and caught people off guard.
Can “Out of the left field” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Out of the left field" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes unexpected situations. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as 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, 'His comment came "out of the left field" and surprised everyone.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That came "out of the left field"!' to express surprise.
