For this question, select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the question. Her death was a bolt from the blue to us

Step 1: Analyze the question You are asked to choose the option that best explains the idiom "a bolt from the blue" in the sentence "Her death was a bolt from the blue to us."

Step 2: Explain the concept "A bolt from the blue" is an idiom meaning something that happens suddenly and unexpectedly, usually shocking news. Picture lightning striking out of a clear blue sky, with no storm clouds to warn you. A related idiom is "out of the blue," which means the same thing.

Step 3: Go through the options

• A. Her death bolted us together: This only plays on the word "bolt." It has nothing to do with the idiom's meaning.
• B. Her death caused confusion: Shock can lead to confusion, but the idiom is about the suddenness of the event, not the confusion that follows.
• C. Her death sealed our hopes: This suggests an ending of hope, which the idiom does not say.
• D. Her death was unexpected: This matches the meaning exactly. The death came without warning.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is D. Her death was unexpected.

Tip: In idiom questions, don't be misled by options that reuse words from the sentence (like "bolted" in option A). Ask what the whole phrase means. For "bolt from the blue," think "sudden shock" or "totally unexpected."