Blast from the past

Meaning

"Blast from the past" refers to a sudden unexpected appearance of someone or something that is associated with the past. It can also mean a memory, person or event from the past that comes back to mind unexpectedly.

Usage

• I was walking through the old town when I saw my ex-girlfriend, it felt like a blast from the past.
• The song on the radio brought back memories of high school, it was like a blast from the past.
• My grandma came to visit and told me stories about her childhood, it was like a blast from the past.
• The vintage car I saw at the classic car show was a real blast from the past.
• Seeing my old high school classmates again after so many years felt like a blast from the past.

Roots and History

The idiom "blast from the past" is believed to have originated in the 19th century. It was used in literature to describe a sudden appearance of someone or something from the past. Over time, it became more commonly used as an idiom to refer to unexpected memories or encounters with the past.

Synonyms in English

• Throwback
• Flashback
• Nostalgia
• Reminiscence
• Memories

Synonyms in other languages

• In Spanish: "Recuerdos" (memories) or "Flashback"
• In French: "Réminiscences" (reminiscences) or "Souvenirs" (memories)
• In German: "Erinnerungen" (memories) or "Nostalgie"
• In Italian: "Ricordi" (memories) or "Flashback"
• In Portuguese: "Memórias" (memories) or "Flashback"

Similar Idioms

• body and soul

• breakout

• by the way