1.
bolt from the blue; sudden shock
An unexpected, shocking event that comes without warning, like thunder from a clear blue sky.
彼の辞任は青天の霹靂だった。
His resignation was a bolt from the blue.
会社の倒産は青天霹靂の知らせだった。
The company's bankruptcy was completely unexpected news.
まさに青天霹靂で言葉も出なかった。
It was such a shock I was speechless.
FOUR-CHARACTER IDIOM (四字熟語):
青天 (clear/blue sky) + 霹靂 (thunderclap)
ALTERNATE FORMS:
- 青天の霹靂: same meaning with の particle inserted
ORIGIN:
From classical Chinese poetry. 霹靂 specifically refers to a sudden, loud thunderclap.
USAGE:
Used to describe completely unexpected news or events, typically shocking or surprising. The event itself can be either positive or negative, but the emphasis is on its unexpectedness.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 青天霹靂の出来事: a shocking event
- 青天霹靂だった: it was a complete surprise