come from left field

come from left field

To originate from a surprising or strange place. ("Left field" is the metaphorical origin of something uncommon, unpopular, or otherwise strange.) That suggestion certainly came from left field! How did you come up with that one? Most of my aunt's ideas come from left field, but you have to love her enthusiasm! I know that idea came from left field, but I think it could actually work!
See also: come, field, left
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

come from left field

or

come out of left field

mainly AMERICAN
A question, statement, or event which comes from left field or comes out of left field is completely unexpected. The question came out of left field, but Mary Ann wasn't really surprised. This letter sort of came out of left field. Compare with left-field. Note: In baseball, left field is part of the outfield. A ball is said to come out of left field when the pitcher throws it in such a way that it seems to come out of nowhere.
See also: come, field, left
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
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