come out of left field

come out of 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 out of left field! How did you come up with that one? Most of my aunt's ideas come out of left field, but you have to love her enthusiasm! I know that idea came out of left field, but I think it could actually work!

See also: come, field, left, of, out

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

come out of left field

[for a problem or dilemma] to come from an unexpected place. (See also out of left field.) This new problem came out of left field. We were really surprised. Your remarks came out of left field. I can't understand your complaint.

See also: come, field, left, of, out

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.