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What does “out of the blue” mean?
Have you ever heard someone say, “That came out of the blue“? Or have you used this expression yourself? “Out of the blue” is a common phrase that you might hear in casual conversation or see in written text. But what does it really mean? In this article, we’ll explore the definition of “out of the blue,” provide some examples of how the phrase is commonly used, and offer insights into its origins.
Definition of “out of the blue“
The phrase “out of the blue” is an idiomatic expression that means something unexpected has happened without any warning or preparation. It often refers to a surprising event or piece of information that catches someone off guard. The phrase can be used to describe any number of situations, from receiving a surprise phone call to being unexpectedly laid off from a job.
Examples of Usage
Here are some examples of how “out of the blue” might be used in everyday conversation:
- “I was sitting in my office when out of the blue, my boss called me into his office and told me I was being promoted.”
- “I was walking down the street when out of the blue, it started pouring rain.”
- “I hadn’t talked to my ex-boyfriend in years, but he called me out of the blue last night.”
- “The stock market crash came out of the blue and caught everyone by surprise.”
- “I was just minding my own business when out of the blue, a bird flew into my window.”
- “She was feeling fine all day, but then out of the blue, she got a migraine.”
- “He was driving home from work when out of the blue, his car broke down on the side of the road.”
- “I was watching TV when out of the blue, I remembered that I had to finish my project by tomorrow.”
- “I was at a party when out of the blue, my ex-girlfriend showed up with her new boyfriend.”
- “I hadn’t heard from my old college roommate in years, but he sent me an email out of the blue.”
Origins of “out of the blue“
The origins of the phrase “out of the blue” are not entirely clear, but it’s believed to have come from the world of aviation. In the early days of aviation, pilots would sometimes fly into thick fog or clouds, where visibility was extremely limited. If the pilot suddenly emerged from the cloud cover and saw the sky above, they would say that they had come “out of the blue.” Over time, the phrase began to be used more broadly to describe any sudden, unexpected event.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “out of the blue” is a common idiomatic expression used to describe unexpected events or information that catch us off guard. It can be used in a variety of situations, from minor inconveniences to major life changes. While its exact origins are uncertain, the phrase has become firmly entrenched in the English language, and you’re likely to hear it used frequently in everyday conversation.
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