out of a clear sky

Variant of sky

sky definition

sky (skī)

noun pl. skies

  1. the upper atmosphere, esp. with reference to its appearance blue skies, a cloudy sky
  2. the expanse of the heavens that forms an apparent arch over the earth; firmament
    1. heaven, or the celestial regions
    2. climate or weather the balmy southern sky

Etymology: ME < ON, a cloud, akin to OE sceo, a cloud, OHG scuwo, shadow < IE base *(s)keu-, a cloud, OHG scuwo, shadow < IE base *(s)keu-, to cover, hide > hide, L cutis, skin, Gr skytos, leather

transitive verb skied or skyed, skying sky′·ing

  1. to hit, throw, shoot, etc. high in the air
  2. to hang (a picture) so high on a wall that it is not easily viewed
sky Idioms

out of a (or the) clear (blue) sky

without warning; suddenly

to the skies

without reserve; extravagantly praised her to the skies

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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