☁️ Out of the Blue: The Surprise Factor in Language 🌤️
Clichés are like old friends: sometimes comforting, sometimes groan-worthy, but always familiar. Let’s dive into the curious case of “out of the blue.”
Definition
Out of the Blue: Unexpectedly, suddenly. The phrase evokes the image of something dropping from the sky—a bolt of surprise straight from the heavens.
Expressions, Synonyms, and Similar Terms
- Bolt from the blue: A sudden unexpected event.
- Out of nowhere: An event or occurrence that was not predicted.
- Like a thief in the night: Taking someone by surprise, often used metaphorically for unexpected scenarios.
- Out of thin air: Something that appears suddenly and inexplicably.
“Life is full of surprises, some more blue than others.” — Unknown
Antonyms
- Predictable
- Foreseen
- Anticipated
Humorous Quotes and Proverbs
“Out of the blue she came to me, and now she’s asking for a tambourine. Talk about surprises!”
Literature, Books, Songs, and Movies
Literature
- Marietta’s Marriage by W. E. Norris (1897)
- “He dropped upon me suddenly out of a clear sky.”
- The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table by Oliver Wendell Holmes (1858)
- Holmes also eloquently used variations of the phrase in his correspondence.
Songs
- “Out of the Blue” by John Lennon (Album: Mind Games)
- “Baby Blue” by Badfinger
Movies
- The Thin Blue Line (1988)
- A documentary on unexpected justice and surprising turns.
Suggested Readings
- “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Sudden revelations and unexpected turns!
- “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel
- Survival out of the blue and the curveballs life throws at us.
Intriguing Quizzes: Test Your Wits
### Which of these is NOT related to the cliché "out of the blue"?
- [x] Walking on sunshine
- [ ] A bolt from the blue
- [ ] Like a thief in the night
- [ ] Out of nowhere
> **Explanation:** "Walking on sunshine" refers to feeling extremely happy, which is unrelated to the element of surprise represented by the other phrases.
### True or False: "Out of the blue" first came into popular use in the late nineteenth century.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Indeed, the phrase was transferred to surprising events around that time, as indicated by literary references.
From A. F. Lanterne, providing an inspiring thought:
“In a world full of anticipations and plans, may your surprises be delightful and as unexpected as a sapphire under the sea.”
Publishing Date: October 1, 2023.
Remember, sometimes life’s best moments happen “out of the blue.” 🌬️
