dropping a bombshell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dropping a bombshell" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of revealing surprising or shocking information. Example: "The CEO was dropping a bombshell when she announced the company's merger during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He began by quietly dropping a bombshell.

The New York Times - Food

WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report)—Dropping a bombshell less than a week before the Presidential election, the F.B.I.

The New Yorker

WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report)—Dropping a bombshell less than a week before the Presidential election, the F.B.I.

The New Yorker

Paul starts the lesson by dropping a bombshell: today, we will be learning to play on a professional snooker table.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The effect is very much like dropping a bombshell during a court hearing, then telling the members of the jury to disregard what they've just heard.

The New York Times - Books

By Andy Borowitz November 2, 2016 WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report) — Dropping a bombshell less than a week before the Presidential election, the F.B.I.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla of Puerto Rico dropped a bombshell on debt holders a week ago by saying he wanted to restructure debt and postpone bond payments.

HuffPost

Basically, drop a bombshell.

The Guardian

Here Mr Gingrich dropped a bombshell.

The Economist

Then he dropped a bombshell.

The New York Times

Before he left, Harrison dropped a bombshell.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dropping a bombshell" when you want to emphasize the shocking and unexpected nature of a piece of news or information.

Common error

Avoid using "dropping a bombshell" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Use synonyms like "making a shocking revelation" or "unveiling a surprise announcement" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The idiom "dropping a bombshell" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable status, typically describing an action of revealing surprising or shocking information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dropping a bombshell" is a grammatically sound and widely used idiom that effectively conveys the act of revealing surprising or shocking news. Ludwig confirms its validity, and it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "making a shocking revelation" or "unveiling a surprise announcement" for variety. Remember that the strength of "dropping a bombshell" lies in its ability to add emphasis to significant, unexpected disclosures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dropping a major revelation

Similar, but emphasizes the importance or significance of the revelation.

making a shocking revelation

Focuses more on the act of revealing something shocking, rather than the impact of the news itself.

delivering a stunning disclosure

Highlights the act of conveying information that is both surprising and impactful.

making a startling disclosure

Emphasizes the unexpected and potentially unsettling nature of the information revealed.

unleashing a major surprise

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the surprise, suggesting it's significant and possibly overwhelming.

unveiling a surprise announcement

Highlights the unexpected nature of the announcement, emphasizing the element of surprise.

unfolding a startling truth

Emphasizes the uncovering of a truth that is surprising and potentially disturbing.

revealing a game changer

Highlights the potential impact and transformative nature of the information.

bringing a surprise announcement

Focuses on the act of delivering the surprise, rather than the content of the announcement.

presenting an unexpected development

Highlights the element of surprise and the unfolding nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "dropping a bombshell" in a sentence?

You can use "dropping a bombshell" when someone reveals surprising or shocking information. For example, "The CEO was dropping a bombshell when she announced the company's merger."

What can I say instead of "dropping a bombshell"?

You can use alternatives like "making a shocking revelation", "unveiling a surprise announcement", or "revealing a game changer" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "dropping a bombshell" or "drop a bombshell"?

Both "dropping a bombshell" and "drop a bombshell" are correct. "Dropping a bombshell" emphasizes the ongoing action, while "drop a bombshell" refers to a singular event.

What's the difference between "dropping a bombshell" and "making an announcement"?

"Dropping a bombshell" implies the announcement is surprising and potentially shocking, whereas "making an announcement" is a more neutral term for conveying information.