thunderbolt

• Nom désignant un éclair accompagné d'un coup de tonnerre, ou, au sens figuré, un événement soudain et choquant ou une surprise.

A noun referring to a flash of lightning accompanied by a thunderclap, or figuratively, a sudden and shocking surprise or event.

1. Lightning strikeB1formal

   A flash of lightning that is accompanied by a loud thunderclap.

   Coup de foudre (météorologique)

   • The old oak tree was split in two by a thunderbolt during the storm.
   • A sudden thunderbolt lit up the entire sky.
   • They took shelter when they heard the crack of a thunderbolt.

   Synonymesboltbolt of lightning

2. B2informal

   An unexpected and shocking event or piece of news.

   Coup de tonnerre (événement choquant)

   • The news of his resignation came like a thunderbolt.
   • Her sudden announcement was a thunderbolt to everyone in the room.
   • The verdict was a thunderbolt that left the family stunned.

   Synonymesblowbombshelleye openerjoltrevelationshocksurprise