surpriseThe announcement that she was leaving the post was a surprise to us all.
shockIt will be a terrible shock if their income is cut.
kickerUSinformalThe kicker is that even after six rounds of interviews, she still wasn't a finalist for the job.
a rude awakeningShe'll be in for a rude awakening when she has to pay her own bills.
eye-openerHis unauthorized biography was a real eye-opener.
a bolt from the blueThe news of his marriage was a bolt from the blue.
thunderboltHis resignation was a thunderbolt that shocked the whole company.
miracleIt's a miracle that she survived the accident.