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bolt

bolt

1 7.8
A sudden leaving of a group, often by an important member
  • noun
  • /boʊlt/
  • Literature
: deserción
  • His decision to leave the party was a bolt that surprised everyone.

Examples

  • The sudden resignation of the leader was a bolt that shook the organization.

  • When she announced her departure, it felt like a bolt from the blue.

  • I must say, this is a bolt from the blue for me.

  • This is a bolt from the blue.

  • That's a real bolt out of the blue.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • We thought you'd shot your bolt.

  • His mother came here to close the gap, heal the wounds, and she bolted at the last minute.

Synonyms

defection
vsbolt
28 7.9

Leaving a country, group, or cause to join an opposing one

is a sudden unexpected leaving that may not involve joining opponents
breakaway
vsbolt
12 4.7

An act of leaving a group to be independent or a sudden move ahead in a race

is usually a sudden individual exit rather than planned group separation

Antonyms

∞ 1.0

To remain in one place and not leave

∞ 1.0

Become a member of a group or take part in its activities

Idioms

3 6.5

A sudden event that shocks people and is not expected

1 6.3

Very suddenly and without warning

To feel sudden shock or surprise

To run away quickly, usually because you are afraid

1 8.6

To use up all your energy or chances so none remain

8.8

To use up all your energy or chances

Compounds

15 3.9

A strong tool with long handles and heavy jaws for cutting metal, like locks or chains

A sudden bright flash in the sky during a storm that often comes before thunder

5 2.0

Two metal pieces, a bolt and a matching nut, that hold parts together by screwing

carriage bolt
  • Specialized
1 6.7

A metal rod with a round head and partial threads used to join wood through a hole

toggle bolt
  • Specialized
1 6.9

A metal screw with a spring part that opens inside a hollow wall to hold heavy items

1 8.6

A hole an animal runs into to hide from danger

1 6.7

A heavy screw with a large head that joins wood pieces when you turn it with a wrench

1 4.2

A metal bar you slide to lock and unlock a door or gate

1 9.9

A large ancient weapon that shoots heavy arrows or stones during war

stove bolt
  • Specialized
1 6.8

A small metal piece with a round or flat head that holds metal parts together

1 4.8

An extra product you add to an existing system to give it new features

1 4.5

A metal bar on a door that you lock from inside to stop people entering

machine bolt
  • Specialized
1 4.1

A metal rod with a square or six-sided head and threads that you turn with a wrench

expansion bolt
  • Specialized
1 5.3

A metal part that spreads inside a hole to hold heavy things to concrete or brick

1 5.1

A metal bar you move to lock a door or gate

6.3

An extra feature you add to a product or system to make it work better

How Abrupt

bolt
  • Literature
1 7.8
defection
28 7.9
abandonment
18 3.6
secession
53 8.3
resignation
  • Formal
200 3.4
exit
231 1.0
departure
  • Formal
28 8.8

Surface Forms

bolt singular
bolts plural

Etymology

A political bolt — a sudden leaving — uses the same idea of 'shooting' away like an arrow. That's why a member's 'bolt' means they left quickly and unexpectedly.