T-learning # Idiom
Speak Like a Native

out of the blue

Choose the correct definition a, b or c.

a) sadly

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

b) joyously

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

c) unexpectedly

Well done ! That’s the right answer.

If something happens out of the blue, it means it was totally unexpected, a complete surprise.

French translation

sans prévenir, de manière inattendue, venant de nulle part, de but en blanc

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Examples in context

Out of the blue : David Bowie’s new single is rock’s best kept secret

ONCE the music-buying public had absorbed the shock of the news, read out breathlessly on the usually staid Today program on BBC radio, that David Bowie had released his first single for a decade, there was only one question on their minds : is it any good ?’

The Times, 9 Jan. 2013

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‘Who should take over at the Royal Opera House ?

When Tony Hall was appointed chief executive of the Royal Opera House, his name came as a bolt out of the blue. Will his successor be equally unlikely : or will he or she be one of the usual suspects ?’

Guardian.co.uk, 23 Nov. 2012

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Everyday usage

He seemed to be very happy in his job, so his resignation came out of the blue.

her brother showed up at the wedding out of the blue.


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