Etymology Journal ยท O
Out of left field
Meaning
- Something that occurs suddenly and without warning. It is usually surprising or confusing because it does not fit the context of the situation.
Surprised, bewildered
Used in a sentence
- That question about his retirement came completely out of left field.
- His decision to sell the house came out of left field for the whole family.
- The promotion was unexpected, totally out of left field.
The backstory
This is a baseball term. In a stadium, the player in left field is often out of the direct line of sight of the catcher and home plate, making plays from that direction unexpected.
Heard in
Nationwide
Vibe check