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What does it mean to drop a bombshell?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 14, 2026

Definition of drop a bombshell

: to surprise everyone She dropped a bombshell when she said she wouldn't run for reelection.

Where did the phrase drop a bombshell come from?

drop a bombshell, to

This metaphor dates from World War I and likens the devastation caused by falling bombs to the shock of suddenly receiving unexpected tidings.

How do you drop a bombshell?

Make an unexpected or shattering announcement. For example, Bill dropped a bombshell when he said he was quitting. This expression, which alludes to the destruction caused by a falling bomb, dates from World War I.

What's the meaning of bombshell?

Definition of bombshell

1 : bomb sense 1a. 2a : one that is stunning, amazing, or devastating The book was a political bombshell. b : a person who is the cause and object of sensational and usually widespread attention, excitement, or attraction a blonde bombshell [=a glamorously attractive blonde woman]

What is the idiom for drop a bomb?

Definition of drop a bomb

: to do or say something that is very shocking and unexpected She dropped a bomb with her resignation.

30 related questions found

What's a synonym for Shocked?

stunned, stupefied, surprised. (also surprized), thunderstruck.

What is the synonym of drop?

fall, come down, go down, descend, sink. plunge, plummet, dive, nosedive, tumble, pitch, slump. rise. 4'she dropped to her knees' fall, sink, collapse, descend, go down, slide, stumble, tumble.

What is meant by a damp squib?

Definition of damp squib

British. : something that is disappointing because it is not as exciting or effective as expected The company's stock turned out to be something of a damp squib.

Why do they say blonde bombshell?

Etymology of 'bombshell'

The release of the film 'Platinum Blonde' (1931) starring Jean Harlow, led to the popularisation of the moniker 'blonde bombshell' as a now, slightly outdated, descriptor for blonde, larger-than-life, attractive characters. Think Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth and Boris Johnson.

What does the phrase dead in the water mean?

Unable to function or move; inoperable. For example, Without an effective leader, our plans for expansion are dead in the water. Originally referring to a crippled ship, this colloquialism was soon applied more broadly.

What does blowing the horn mean?

US, informal. : to talk about oneself or one's achievements especially in a way that shows pride or too much pride We've had a very successful year, and I think we have a right to blow our own horn a little.

What is the word for do not breathe?

Definition of not say/breathe a word

: to not talk (about something) Don't say/breathe a word about this to anyone.

What does had a good innings mean?

Definition of had a good innings

British, informal. —used to say that someone who has died lived a long life We're sad she's gone, but she had a good innings.

What does bolt from the blue mean?

Definition of bolt from the blue

: a complete surprise : something totally unexpected.

What does on the warpath mean?

informal. : angry and ready to fight with, criticize, or punish someone The boss is on the warpath today because the project is behind schedule. Her supporters went on the warpath in response to her opponent's accusations.

What is the meaning of idiom a dime a dozen?

So plentiful as to be valueless. For example, Don't bother to buy one of these—they're a dime a dozen.

What does taking someone for a ride mean?

Definition of take for a ride

1 informal : to cheat or trick (someone) You can get sucked into a scheme that will cost you dearly. … You can get suckered, swindled, taken for a ride … — Christianity "So much for good-looking, slick-talking hometown boys," says Betty Bean. " They always end up taking you for a ride."—

Are squibs rare?

Squibs are rare, even just one being born into a family.

What's a better word for beautiful?

admirable, adorable, alluring, angelic, appealing, beauteous, bewitching, captivating, charming, classy, comely, cute, dazzling, delicate, delightful, divine, elegant, enthralling, enticing, excellent, exquisite, fair, fascinating, fetching, fine, foxy, good-looking, gorgeous, graceful, grand, handsome, ideal, inviting ...

What is a synonym for jaw dropping?

staggering, appalling, breathtaking, startling, impressive, stunning, shocking, amazing.

How do you use bombshell in a sentence?

an explosive bomb or artillery shell.

  1. His resignation after thirteen years is a political bombshell.
  2. Then she dropped her bombshell. ...
  3. The news came as a bombshell.
  4. Then came the bombshell: the factory was to close down.
  5. The news of his death was a bombshell.
  6. The news of his death came as a bombshell.

What does drop mean slang?

Slang. to take (especially an illicit drug) by swallowing; ingest: to drop LSD.

Has dropped meaning?

From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English the penny (has) droppedBritish English informal used to say that someone has finally understood something that they had not understood before → pennyExamples from the Corpusthe penny (has) dropped• At this point the penny dropped.