Bolt-from-the-blue–a
Also, a bolt out of the blue. A sudden, unexpected event. For example, Bill’s dropping his life insurance was a bolt from the blue for his wife. This metaphoric term alludes to totally unforeseen lightning or thunder from a cloudless (blue) sky. [ First half of 1800s ]
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- Bolthead
the head of a bolt. Chemistry. (formerly) a matrass. Historical Examples The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Mark Twain Fragments of science, V. 1-2 John Tyndall
- Bolt--hole
a hole in the ground, protected opening in bushes, etc., into which an animal can flee when pursued or frightened. a place or avenue of escape or refuge: The remote mountain village was a safe bolt-hole for refugees during the war. Historical Examples Highways and Byways in The Border Andrew Lang The Pit Prop Syndicate […]
- Boltrope
Nautical. a rope or the cordage sewn on the edges of a sail to strengthen it. a superior grade of rope. Historical Examples Sea Stories Various The Pilot J. Fenimore Cooper The Luck of Roaring Camp and Other Tales Bret Harte The Luck of Roaring Camp and Other Tales Bret Harte The Luck of Roaring […]
- Bolt-up-right
a movable bar or rod that when slid into a socket fastens a door, gate, etc. the part of a lock that is shot from and drawn back into the case, as by the action of the key. any of several types of strong fastening rods, pins, or screws, usually threaded to receive a nut. […]
- Bolt--upright
a movable bar or rod that when slid into a socket fastens a door, gate, etc. the part of a lock that is shot from and drawn back into the case, as by the action of the key. any of several types of strong fastening rods, pins, or screws, usually threaded to receive a nut. […]