Understanding Idioms: 'Coming Out of the Blue' vs. 'Left Field'
Introduction to Idioms
Idioms are an essential part of language that add color, nuance, and depth to our communication. While some idioms may seem straightforward, others, like 'left field' and 'coming out of the blue', have rich histories and meanings that are worth exploring.
What is the Meaning of the Phrase 'Left Field'?
The phrase 'left field' is often used to refer to something unexpected or unusual. The term originates from baseball. In the early 20th century, the left field was a less active area of the baseball field due to the predominance of right-handed batters. This led to the use of 'left field' metaphorically to indicate a position away from the center of activity, interest, or the mainstream of prevailing opinion.
A position away from the center of activity or interest or from the mainstream of prevailing opinion style etc. Also, in early use, 'left field' could indicate a position of ignorance, error, or confusion.
Usage in Sentences
'Left field' can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is not aligned with the current trends or opinions. For example, 'His political views are in left field compared to the rest of the population.'
Example Phrases
‘Her ideas were in left field compared to the rest of the group.’ The project was shelved as it didn’t fit the mainstream narrative, staying in left field.What is the Meaning of 'Coming Out of the Blue'?
'Coming out of the blue' is a phrase that signifies something that happened unexpectedly and suddenly. This idiom often conveys a sense of surprise or astonishment.
Derivation and Usage
The phrase 'coming out of the blue' is rooted in the idea of something appearing in the sky, reminiscent of unexpected occurrences such as pop-up thunderstorms or meteors. Metaphorically, it can describe phenomena like illnesses, inheritances, or even sudden changes in one's life.
An example of its usage could be: 'When she received the inheritance out of the blue, it was a shock to everyone.'
Comparison with 'Bolt from the Blue'
While 'coming out of the blue' generally describes a positive or neutral surprise, 'bolt from the blue' often refers to unexpected, often tragic events. For instance: 'The news of the assassination of John F. Kennedy came as a bolt from the blue,' indicating that it was a tragic and unforeseen occurrence.
Example Phrases
The question was a bolt out of the blue, catching everyone off guard. She received an email out of the blue with an invitation to her old high school reunion.Examples in Context
Imagine a situation where a driver was driving down the street and suddenly a fast-moving car appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, causing a collision. Such an incident would be described as 'something that came out of the blue.'
Another example involves a friend who invites you out to a surprise party, saying, 'I didn’t tell anyone, it’s coming out of the blue.' This indicates that the surprise party is an unexpected and sudden event.
Conclusion
Both 'left field' and 'coming out of the blue' are idioms that add depth to our language, providing vivid imagery to describe unexpected situations. Understanding these idioms can help us communicate more effectively in both personal and professional settings.