Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Bolt from the blue
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "bolt from the blue" is to receive unexpected news.
The other options are incorrect.
- "To get good news" is not the same as a bolt from the blue. Good news can be expected, while a bolt from the blue is unexpected.
- "To win a large sum of money" is not the same as a bolt from the blue. Winning a large sum of money can be expected, while a bolt from the blue is unexpected.
- "To get lucky" is not the same as a bolt from the blue. Getting lucky can be expected, while a bolt from the blue is unexpected.
The idiom "bolt from the blue" comes from the idea of a bolt of lightning coming out of a clear sky. In the same way, a bolt from the blue is unexpected news, like a death in the family or a job loss. For example, you might say that the news of the actor's death came as a bolt from the blue.