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bolt

bolt

14 7.8
A sudden leaving of a group, often by an important member
  • noun
  • /boʊlt/
  • Literature
translation icon : 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
22 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

2 6.5

A sudden event that shocks people and is not expected

1 8.6

To use up all your energy or chances so none remain

6.3

Very suddenly and without warning

To run away quickly, usually because you are afraid

To feel sudden shock or surprise

8.8

To use up all your energy or chances

Compounds

12 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

carriage bolt
  • Specialized
1 6.7

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

1 2.0

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

1 6.7

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

toggle bolt
  • Specialized
1 6.9

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

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

8.6

A hole an animal runs into to hide from danger

6.3

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

4.8

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

expansion bolt
  • Specialized
5.3

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

machine bolt
  • Specialized
4.1

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

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

A metal bar you move to lock a door or gate

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

stove bolt
  • Specialized
6.8

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

How Abrupt

bolt
  • Literature
14 7.8
defection
28 7.9
abandonment
26 3.6
secession
41 8.3
resignation
  • Formal
197 3.4
exit
129 1.0
departure
  • Formal
26 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.