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Difference between Out in the blue and Out of the blue

out in the blue

1. out in the sea or ocean:

  • Scorpionfish can be found around the deeper coral blocks. With a little luck you can see Mantas cruising out in the blue.

2. (RAF, WWII) isolated in the desert, specifically in North Africa:

  • Although “out in the blue” in Bengal, RAF Digri was a well established heavy bomber base.

Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase up in the blue—aboard an aircraft; in flight:

  • If only you could know how happy I am when I fly a plane! I never feel so completely close to God as when I’m up in the blue.

out of the bluequite unexpectedly; without warning:

  • I got an encouragement out of the blue in the form of an honorary degree from Berlin.

See also: in blue / in the blue.