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 blue—quite 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.