bolt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bolt" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used in various contexts, such as referring to a fastener, a sudden movement, or as a verb meaning to run away quickly. Example: "He decided to bolt when he saw the approaching storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Krygier's observations were a bolt of lightning for me.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But she preferred his brother, Juriques, and fired a bolt of lightning to keep Licancabur off.

The Guardian - Travel

I know exactly which mirrors in my house are soothingly cast in silvery shadow, and which cause me to bolt past, eyes averted from the blast of capillary-exposing reality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Backstory American Ballet Theatre arrived like a bolt from the blue in 1940.

The Guardian

Freddie Gray sustained his fatal injuries inside a police van when his head slammed into a bolt in the back of the vehicle, a Baltimore TV news station has reported after claiming to have received multiple briefings on a police report and the interim findings of the medical examiner's office reviewing the 25-year-old's death.

The Guardian

Byron's breakdown in 2011 was no bolt from the blue.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

But that makes it seem like a pay-as-you-go bolt-on, whereas Netflix – mighty, algorithm-powered Netflix – is entirely focused on doing one thing, and doing it well.

The Guardian

"Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard signed up to bolt-on agreements on Gonski and hospitals with a huge increase in funding … we said we would fund four years of Gonski and that was it.

The Guardian

But these measures are largely "bolt-ons" to the existing arrangements.

The Guardian - Opinion

The shift to a lower risk, bolt-on strategy frees up cash for higher dividends and lowers integration risks.

The Guardian - Business

Related: Malcolm Turnbull denies influencing SBS sacking of Scott McIntyre for Anzac tweets Whether you think McIntyre's comments about Anzac Day were factually and historically defensible, compare them with the comments about Indigenous Australians that landed Andrew Bolt in the dock.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bolt" to describe movement, consider the speed and suddenness you want to convey. Alternatives like "dash" or "dart" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "bolt" metaphorically without ensuring the context clearly conveys a sudden or unexpected impact. Overuse can diminish the intended emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bolt" varies. It can function as a noun, referring to a fastener or a sudden event, or as a verb, indicating a quick escape or fastening something. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

20%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Business

5%

Film

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "bolt" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, functioning as both a noun and a verb. It commonly describes sudden movements, fastening mechanisms, or unexpected events. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples reveals that "bolt" appears frequently in news and media, sports reporting, and opinion pieces. While generally neutral in register, it can add a vivid element to writing. Understanding the nuances of "bolt" ensures its effective and contextually appropriate use in diverse writing scenarios. Alternatives like "dash", "flee", or "secure" can offer more precise connotations depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dash

Emphasizes a quick, sudden movement or run, similar to one meaning of "bolt".

dart

Implies a rapid and abrupt movement, much like "bolt" when used to describe a sudden escape.

flee

Focuses on escaping or running away, a core meaning of "bolt".

escape

Highlights the act of getting free from confinement or danger, similar to "bolt" in certain contexts.

abscond

Implies a secretive and sudden departure, often to avoid legal consequences, akin to one sense of "bolt".

secure

Focuses on fastening or locking something, which is a meaning of "bolt" when referring to doors.

fasten

Highlights the act of joining or connecting objects, a meaning related to using a "bolt" as a fastener.

gobble

Refers to eating quickly, mirroring the "bolt" meaning when applied to consuming food rapidly.

thunderbolt

Suggests a sudden and impactful event or revelation, akin to "bolt" when used metaphorically.

roll of fabric

Refers to one of the less frequent meanings of bolt.

FAQs

How can I use "bolt" in a sentence?

The word "bolt" has multiple meanings. For example, "He decided to "dash" when he saw the approaching storm" (verb) or "The "thunderbolt" struck the tree" (noun).

What's the difference between "bolt" and "flee"?

"Bolt" implies a sudden, rapid escape, while "flee" suggests a more general act of running away from danger or unpleasantness. Therefore "flee" does not always capture the feeling of speed present in the term "bolt".

What are the different meanings of "bolt"?

The word "bolt" can refer to a metal fastener, a sudden movement, a lightning strike, or the act of running away quickly. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

What can I say instead of "bolt from the blue"?

You can use alternatives like "a complete surprise", "out of nowhere", or "unexpectedly" depending on the context. These phrases capture the sudden and unexpected nature of the event, as in "completely unforeseen".