Meaning: A sudden and unexpected event, usually unpleasant.
Hindi: अप्रत्याशित घटना
Synonyms: shock, surprise, unexpected event
Antonyms: expected event
Asked in: SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level) · SSC CHSL 2024 T-1 · SSC MTS 2024 · SSC CGL 2023 T-1 · SSC CHSL 2022 T-1 · SSC MTS 2021 · SSC CHSL 2020 T-1 · SSC MTS 2020
bolt from the blue in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CHSL 2024 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
A bolt from the blue
(SSC CHSL 2024 T-1 (04-July Shift 4))Answer & explanation
Answer: C) A sudden and unexpected event
Correct Answer: A sudden and unexpected event
Explanation:
The idiom “a bolt from the blue” refers to something shocking or surprising that happens suddenly and without warning, much like a lightning bolt from a clear blue sky.
Let’s examine the options:
• Raining heavily – incorrect; unrelated to the idiom.
• Thunder and rain in a storm – literal interpretation; incorrect.
• A sudden and unexpected event – ✅ correct meaning of the idiom.
• A spontaneous but expected event – contradictory and inaccurate.
✅ Thus, the idiom “a bolt from the blue” best means a sudden and unexpected event. - SSC CHSL 2024 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment in the following sentence.
A gift from my teacher on the eve of the new year was a complete surprise.
(SSC CHSL 2024 T-1 (09-July Shift 1))Answer & explanation
Answer: D) a bolt from the blue
Correct Answer: a bolt from the blue
Explanation:
The phrase "a bolt from the blue" means a sudden and unexpected event, which fits the sentence context perfectly:
"A gift from my teacher on the eve of the new year was a bolt from the blue."
This means the gift was a complete surprise — exactly what the sentence conveys.
Let’s look at the other options for comparison:
• Like a cat on hot bricks – means being very nervous or restless.
• Like striking one’s colours – means surrendering or giving up.
• Spilling the beans – means revealing a secret.
Only "a bolt from the blue" correctly substitutes the underlined phrase "a complete surprise". - SSC MTS 2024 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the blank.
Getting a sudden promotion and increment in my current profile was like _________.Answer & explanation
Answer: D) a bolt from the blue
Correct Answer: a bolt from the blue
Explanation:
The sentence describes something unexpected and surprising, like a sudden promotion and increment.
The idiom "a bolt from the blue" means a sudden and unexpected event (अचानक हुआ आश्चर्यजनक घटनाक्रम).
a foul play – unfair or dishonest behaviour (बेईमानी)
a ballpark figure – an approximate number (अनुमानित आंकड़ा)
a fish out of water – someone uncomfortable in a new situation (असहज व्यक्ति)
a bolt from the blue – a sudden, unexpected event (आचानक हुई घटना)
Only "a bolt from the blue" fits the meaning of a surprising promotion. - SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level) Idioms & Phrases
Choose the correct idiom to fill in the blank:
Everyone in the office knew that the senior accountant was honest, so the allegation against him was a ______.Answer & explanation
Answer: B) bolt from the blue
Meaning: a bolt from the blue = a complete surprise, a sudden shock that no one expected *(अचानक आई विपत्ति, अप्रत्याशित आघात)*.
The deciding words.
"Everyone … knew that the senior accountant was honest, so the allegation … was a [blank]"
Since all knew him to be honest, nobody saw the allegation coming — it was a sudden shock.
Origin.
A *bolt* is a thunderbolt; one striking out of a clear blue sky, with no storm clouds, is completely unexpected.
Why the others are wrong.
#B red-letter day = a day of special happiness *(यादगार, शुभ दिन)* — from feast days printed in red in old calendars; an allegation is not a celebration.
#B wild goose chase = a hopeless, useless search *(व्यर्थ की भागद - SSC CGL 2023 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate idiom/phrase that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
This incident occurred without a warning.Answer & explanation
Answer: B) Bolt from the blue
Answer: (2) Bolt from the blue
Solution:
The idiom “bolt from the blue” means something happening suddenly and unexpectedly (अचानक और अप्रत्याशित घटना)।
It perfectly substitutes “occurred without a warning.”
Other options:
• Play devil's advocate – To argue the opposite side for the sake of argument.
• On thin ice – In a risky or dangerous situation.
• Ignorance is bliss – Not knowing something is better for happiness.
Word Meanings:
• Bolt from the blue – अचानक घटना
• Play devil's advocate – विरोधाभास करना
• On thin ice – जोखिम भरा स्थिति
• Ignorance is bliss – अज्ञानता सुखद है
Examples
- “His resignation came as a bolt from the blue to everyone.”
bolt from the blue – questions
What is the meaning of bolt from the blue in Hindi?
bolt from the blue means “अप्रत्याशित घटना” in Hindi. In English: A sudden and unexpected event, usually unpleasant.
What are the synonyms of bolt from the blue?
Synonyms of bolt from the blue: shock, surprise, unexpected event.
What is the opposite of bolt from the blue?
Antonyms of bolt from the blue: expected event.
Has bolt from the blue been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – bolt from the blue has been asked 9 times in SSC exams: SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level), SSC CHSL 2024 T-1, SSC MTS 2024, SSC CGL 2023 T-1, SSC CHSL 2022 T-1, SSC MTS 2021, SSC CHSL 2020 T-1, SSC MTS 2020.