Drop a bombshell

Meaning

The idiom "drop a bombshell" refers to making an unexpected or significant announcement that has a profound impact on the listeners, usually causing shock or disbelief. It can also mean revealing confidential information or a surprise attack.

Usage

• The bombshell was dropped when the CEO announced layoffs, leaving many employees stunned.
• My grandmother's secret past as a spy was dropped when I found her old diary buried in the attic.
• The investigation into the politician's financial dealings dropped a bombshell that could bring down his entire career.
• The company's announcement of a new product drop caused a stir in the industry.
• My friend dropped a bombshell when she revealed her plans to move across the country.

Roots and History

The idiom "drop a bombshell" originated from the military practice of dropping bombs on enemy targets during World War II. The first known use of the phrase in print was in 1943, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. Over time, the figurative meaning of the idiom has expanded beyond its original military sense and is now commonly used to refer to any surprising or significant announcement.

Synonyms in English

• revelation
• shocking news
• surprise announcement
• major development
• bombshell drop

Synonyms in other languages

• 惊人的发表 (Wēi rén de fā tí) - Chinese, meaning "shocking publication"
• סופים אנן שלמה בראטון עקד צערים (Sufrim Anan shelmha ve'ratun Akd Tzarim) - Hebrew, meaning "final revelation of suffering"
• כסופים נשומה בראטון עקד צערים (Ke'sufim Nishu'mah ve'ratun Akd Tzarim) - Hebrew, meaning "revelation of suffering in the end times"
• الذي تسجيد به فيهم (Al da'i tasjad bih fayhim) - Arabic, meaning "that which causes you to prostrate yourself while reciting it"
• ألى تقعلوا فيهم من الذي بعضهم الأخري صباحاً خذت الكلام (Ala'a taaqooloo fayhim min al-dhi ba'da shuraa'anu rahul-khataab) - Arabic, meaning "so that you know from the one who told you in the morning"

Similar Idioms

• dog’s life

• die in harness

• deals with