bombshell
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbɑmˌʃɛɫ// UK //bˈɒmʃɛl// bomb·shell
n. a piece of news that is very surprising or shocking. It is usually something unexpected that changes a situation completely.
n. a sudden and highly impactful piece of news or a surprising revelation. Often used to describe information that disrupts a current state of affairs or public perception.
The manager dropped a bombshell by quitting during the meeting.
The journalist's report was a political bombshell that led to several high-level resignations within the week.
The CEO's sudden announcement of a merger acted as a corporate bombshell, sending the company's stock price into a volatile swing as investors scrambled to assess the implications.
From bomb + shell.
Usage
Commonly used with the verb 'to drop' ('to drop a bombshell').