thunderbolt
Translation
thunderbolt, bombshell
Examples
A thunderbolt lit up the night sky.
A thunderbolt lit up the night sky.
The news of his resignation came as a thunderbolt.
The news of his resignation came as a thunderbolt.
Grammar Patterns
((countable)) A flash of lightning with thunder. A thunderbolt lit up the night sky.
((countable)) A sudden and shocking event or piece of news. The news came as a thunderbolt.
Similar Words
Synonyms: lightning bolt, flash; (figurative) shock, bombshell
Etymology
A compound of 'thunder' and 'bolt' (a flash or shaft). A flash of lightning accompanying thunder.
Memory Tips
Imagine a bolt of lightning shooting from a thundercloud. It's also used for sudden, shocking news.