drop a bomb
To reveal something that is very surprising or unexpected. Whoa, you can't just drop a bomb like that and leave—I need details about your new boyfriend! When we got a tip that the newspaper was about to drop a bomb about our candidate, we all wondered what information they could possibly have. Mary dropped a bomb on us all when she told us she was moving to France next week.
explode a bombshell
To reveal something that is very surprising or unexpected. Whoa, you can't just explode a bombshell like that and leave. I need details about this new boyfriend of yours! When we got a tip that the newspaper was about to explode a bombshell about our candidate, we all wondered what information they could possibly have. The CEO's abrupt resignation made sense once the local news exploded a bombshell about him embezzling from the company.
explode with (something)
1. Literally, to burst and create or discharge something suddenly as a result. The gas main exploded with enough force to send us all flying. The bomb exploded with a piercing boom that left my ears ringing for days. The fireworks exploded with a bang.
2. By extension, to verbalize something suddenly and forcefully. The kids exploded with cheers when they saw their favorite cartoon characters take the stage. The baby exploded with sobs when his pacifier fell out of his mouth. The crowd exploded with boos when the favorable call was reversed.
3. To suddenly produce or yield something in large quantities. It won't be long now till my garden is exploding with all kinds of beautiful flowers. A: "Wow, these farms are just exploding with corn right now!" B: "Well, 'tis the season!" The trees will explode with colorful leaves once we get further into autumn.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
drop a bomb(shell)
and explode a bombshell; drop a brickFig. to announce shocking or startling news. They really dropped a bombshell when they announced that the mayor would resign. Friday is a good day to drop a bomb like that. It gives the business world the weekend to recover. They must choose their words very carefully when they explode a bombshell like that. They really dropped a brick when they told her the cause of her illness.
explode with something
1. . Lit. to make a loud noise upon exploding or releasing energy. The bomb exploded with a thunderous roar. When the joke was finished, the audience exploded with laughter.
2. Fig. to burst out saying something; to be about to burst with eagerness to say something. The children exploded with protests when their parents told them it was bedtime. Hanna was exploding with questions.
3. Fig. to produce a sudden abundance of something. (Alludes to buds bursting or a sudden blooming or sprouting of vegetation.) The fields exploded with an enormous crop of wildflowers. The cherry trees exploded with blossoms.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
blow up in your face
or explode in your face
COMMON If a situation blows up in your face or explodes in your face, it has a bad result that you did not expect. His outburst yesterday could blow up in his face. Those that have supported his cause will certainly question his motives. The scandal has exploded in the government's face.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
blow up in your face
(of an action, plan, or situation) go drastically wrong with damaging effects to yourself.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
drop a bomb
verbMcGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.